Cost of Living in Lawrence County, Illinois

$810/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$95,500

Median Home Value

3% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$810/mo

3% below state average

Median Home Value

$95,500

66% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

24.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Lawrence County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Lawrence County$810/mo

Illinois Average$837/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$810/mo

Median Gross Rent

$95,500

Median Home Value

$607/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

24.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Lawrence County, Illinois

Lawrence County faces tight affordability

Lawrence County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the least affordable in the nation, despite modest absolute rents of $810 monthly. The challenge stems from a median household income of just $53,438—nearly 29% below the national median of $74,755—straining residents' housing budgets.

Illinois's least affordable county housing

Lawrence County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among the eight counties analyzed, far exceeding Illinois's 14.7% state average. This critical gap reflects both lower local incomes and the inability of rural Illinois wages to keep pace with housing costs.

Most affordable rents, lowest incomes

Lawrence County's $810 monthly rent is the lowest among comparable Illinois counties, yet residents struggle most with affordability because median incomes are the lowest in the region. Unlike wealthier Lake County, Lawrence residents cannot leverage higher earnings to offset housing costs.

Housing costs squeeze lower-wage households

Renters dedicate 18.2% of a $53,438 median income to $810 monthly rent, while homeowners pay $607 (13.6% of income) for mortgages on homes valued at just $95,500. The disparity reveals that owning remains far more affordable than renting in Lawrence County—a reversal of national trends.

Homeownership essential for affordability

Lawrence County offers the lowest absolute housing costs in Illinois, making it ideal for buyers seeking ultra-affordable homeownership—but renters face severe affordability pressures. If relocating here, prioritize homebuying or seek employment in neighboring counties with higher wages.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Lawrence County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

18.2%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,247

per month

Owner Cost Burden

13.6%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Lawrence County

Median home value is $95,500. Estimated monthly cost: $762 vs. your max of $1,247.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio18.2%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lawrence County, Illinois?

Lawrence County, Illinois has a median monthly rent of $810/mo and a median home value of $95,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 24.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Lawrence County?

The median gross rent in Lawrence County is $810/mo. This is 3% below state average for Illinois.

Is Lawrence County affordable?

Lawrence County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 24.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Lawrence County's rent compare to the state average?

Lawrence County's median rent of $810/mo is 3% below state average of $837/mo for Illinois.

What is the median home value in Lawrence County?

The median home value in Lawrence County, Illinois is $95,500. This is 66% below the national median home value of $281,900.