Cost of Living in Lee County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lee County ranks #1,428 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lee County, Illinois
Lee County housing near national norms
Lee County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national average, reflecting reasonable affordability for a rural Midwest county. With median household income of $68,459—9% below the national median—Lee County residents manage housing costs effectively relative to their earnings.
Below-average costs across Illinois
Lee County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio falls just below Illinois's 14.7% state average, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. Monthly rents of $853 remain notably below the state average of $837, offering substantial value compared to urban Illinois markets.
Affordable rural alternative to Chicago metros
Lee County's $853 rent undercuts Lake County by 40% while remaining comparable to fellow rural counties like LaSalle ($906) and Logan ($804). Home values at $155,100 similarly position Lee as an affordable option for buyers seeking rural living without Lawrence County's income constraints.
Balanced costs favor both renters and owners
Lee County renters allocate 14.9% of a $68,459 median income to $853 monthly rent, while homeowners spend $966 (16.9% of income) on mortgages. Both ratios remain well below the 30% affordability benchmark, offering genuine housing security for Lee County households.
Solid value for rural Midwest seekers
Lee County combines affordable housing with stable local incomes, making it attractive for families prioritizing cost of living over urban amenities. Compare Lee's balanced affordability to neighboring LaSalle's slightly higher costs or Lawrence's income-affordability gap.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lee County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Lee County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $853/month in gross rent, with 24.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Lee County is $853/month, while owner costs run $966/month. Renting saves approximately $113/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,400/year. With a median household income of $68,459, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Lee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Lee County is more affordable than Vermilion County by roughly 6% ($853/mo vs $802/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lee County
Rent Burden
15.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,597
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lee County
Median home value is $155,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,238 vs. your max of $1,597.
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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