Cost of Living in Kendall County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kendall County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kendall County ranks #2,645 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kendall County, Illinois
Kendall County's premium housing market
Kendall County renters spend 19.1% of income on rent, the highest ratio among these eight Illinois counties and well above the U.S. average of roughly 15%. Despite the highest household income at $110,474—48% above the national median—the $1,763 rent reflects competitive Chicago exurban pricing.
Illinois's highest affordability strain
At 19.1% rent-to-income, Kendall County exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average by the widest margin of any county here. Median rent of $1,763 more than doubles the state median of $837, driven by Chicago-region suburban demand and rapid development.
Costlier than Kane County next door
Kendall County's $1,763 rent and $1,976 owner costs both exceed neighboring Kane County ($1,404 rent, $1,778 owner costs). Though Kendall home values ($298,900) and Kane values ($303,000) are similar, Kendall renters and owners face steeper monthly payments.
Kendall County's expensive housing profile
Renters pay $1,763/month while homeowners average $1,976/month, consuming roughly 19% and 21% of household income respectively. The median home value of $298,900 reflects exurban Chicago positioning, and only Kendall's exceptionally high household income of $110,474 makes these costs sustainable.
For high-income Chicago commuters only
Kendall County suits affluent families seeking Chicago-area proximity and suburban amenities despite premium pricing. If your household income falls below $110,000, consider neighboring Kane County or southern Illinois alternatives where your budget provides more flexibility.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kendall County
Affordability Verdict
Kendall County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,763/month — about 19.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,763/month rent versus $1,976/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $213/month cheaper — a 11% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $70,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $84,686/year. With a median household income of $110,474, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Kendall County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to DuPage County where rent averages $1,628/month, Kendall County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kendall County
Rent Burden
19.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,578
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Kendall County
Median home value is $298,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,386 vs. your max of $2,578.
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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