Cost of Living in Johnson County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Johnson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Johnson County ranks #145 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Johnson County, Illinois
Johnson County offers exceptional rent savings
Johnson County renters spend just 11.7% of income on rent, among the lowest ratios in the nation and well below the U.S. average of roughly 15%. Though household income of $65,203 runs below the national median, remarkably low rents of $634 create genuine affordability for budget households.
Illinois's most affordable county for renters
At 11.7% rent-to-income, Johnson County ranks at the top of Illinois affordability, significantly outperforming the state average of 14.7%. Median rent of $634 stands 24% below the state median of $837, making it the cheapest option in Illinois.
Dramatically cheaper than surrounding counties
Johnson County's $634 rent is 26% lower than Jefferson County's $862 and 20% lower than Knox County's $725. With the lowest owner costs ($735/month) among comparable southern Illinois counties, Johnson offers the region's best value proposition.
Johnson County's exceptional rent profile
Renters pay just $634/month while homeowners average $735/month, consuming only 11.7% and 13.5% of household income respectively. Despite the lowest median income ($65,203) among these eight counties, Johnson's rock-bottom housing costs deliver the strongest real affordability.
The Illinois affordability champion
If budget is your primary concern, Johnson County delivers unmatched housing affordability in Illinois. You'll stretch your dollars further here than anywhere else in the state, though median incomes suggest considering remote work or entrepreneurial opportunities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Johnson County
Affordability Verdict
Johnson County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $634/month — about 11.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $634/month rent versus $735/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $101/month cheaper — a 14% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,500/year. With a median household income of $65,203, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Johnson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Warren County where rent averages $694/month, Johnson County is approximately 9% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Johnson County
Rent Burden
11.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,521
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Johnson County
Median home value is $148,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,183 vs. your max of $1,521.
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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