Cost of Living in Jersey County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jersey County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jersey County ranks #1,254 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jersey County, Illinois
Jersey County beats U.S. housing affordability
Jersey County renters spend just 12.0% of income on rent, well below the national average of roughly 15%. With a median household income of $79,104—above the U.S. median of $74,755—housing costs here represent one of Illinois's strongest affordability positions.
Illinois's most affordable county ranking
At 12.0% rent-to-income, Jersey County ranks among the most affordable in Illinois compared to the state average of 14.7%. Median rent of $794 undercuts the state median of $837, making it a sweet spot for budget-conscious families.
Cheaper rents than Jo Daviess County
Jersey County's $794 rent is lower than neighboring Jo Daviess County's $795, while homeownership costs diverge: Jersey owners pay $1,013/month versus Jo Daviess at $1,063. Both counties offer strong affordability compared to their respective household incomes.
Jersey County's housing balance
Renters pay $794/month while homeowners average $1,013/month, consuming roughly 12% and 15% of income respectively. The median home value of $168,800 is accessible for moderate-income buyers, supported by the county's relatively strong $79,104 median household income.
A rare Illinois affordability win
Jersey County delivers strong affordability for both renters and homeowners, with household incomes above state average and housing costs below state median. If you're relocating within Illinois, this county offers genuine breathing room in your housing budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jersey County
Affordability Verdict
Jersey County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $794/month — about 12.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Jersey County pay $794/month on average, compared to $1,013/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 22%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,414/year. With a median household income of $79,104, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Jersey County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Jersey County is more affordable than Fayette County by roughly 7% ($794/mo vs $740/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jersey County
Rent Burden
12.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,846
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jersey County
Median home value is $168,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,348 vs. your max of $1,846.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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