Cost of Living in Livingston County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Livingston County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Livingston County ranks #1,440 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Livingston County, Illinois
Livingston County leads affordability rankings
Livingston County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the most affordable in the nation, with modest rents relative to household earning power. At $70,796 median household income, Livingston residents outpace many lower-income Illinois counties while enjoying housing costs below national norms.
Illinois's most affordable county housing
Livingston County achieves Illinois's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 14.5%—the only county in this analysis below the state average of 14.7%. Monthly rents of $855 are competitively priced, creating an affordability advantage across the state.
Best value among central Illinois counties
Livingston County's $855 monthly rent rivals Lee County ($853) and beats Logan County ($804) and Macon County ($797) on affordability ratios, despite higher absolute rents. Its median home value of $131,500 offers comparable value to peer counties with better income stability.
Housing costs stay well below stress levels
Renters spend $855 monthly (14.5% of income), while homeowners allocate $950 (16.1% of income) from a median household income of $70,796. Both housing cost ratios fall comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, ensuring households retain substantial income for savings and living expenses.
Top-tier affordability for Midwest movers
Livingston County delivers the best housing affordability ratio in this Illinois cohort, combining modest costs with solid local incomes. If cost of living ranks high in your relocation criteria, Livingston rivals all peer counties analyzed here.
Cost of Living Advisory: Livingston County
Affordability Verdict
Livingston County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $855/month representing approximately 14.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 23.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Livingston County is $855/month, while owner costs run $950/month. Renting saves approximately $95/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,714/year. With a median household income of $70,796, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Livingston County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Livingston County is less affordable than LaSalle County by roughly 6% ($855/mo vs $906/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Livingston County
Rent Burden
14.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,652
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Livingston County
Median home value is $131,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,050 vs. your max of $1,652.
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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