Cost of Living in Madison County, Illinois

$969/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$167,900

Median Home Value

16% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$969/mo

16% above state average

Median Home Value

$167,900

40% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

28.0%

% 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 Madison County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Madison County$969/mo

Illinois Average$837/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$969/mo

Median Gross Rent

$167,900

Median Home Value

$1,109/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

28.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Madison County, Illinois

Madison rents track national norms

Madison County residents spend 15.6% of household income on rent, just slightly above the national benchmark of roughly 15%. The median rent of $969/month is notably higher than Illinois's state average of $837, reflecting the county's position as a mid-tier housing market in the region.

Middle-ground affordability in Illinois

Among Illinois counties, Madison's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% places it in the less affordable tier, above the state average of 14.7%. This suggests renters here face tighter budget constraints than their counterparts in many other Illinois communities.

Higher costs than surrounding counties

Madison's $969 median rent outpaces nearby Marion County ($771) and Marshall County ($767) by roughly $200/month. However, homeownership costs are competitive: Madison's median owner cost of $1,109 sits between Marion's $785 and Marshall's $858, reflecting mixed affordability across housing types.

Balanced burden across housing types

Madison's median household income of $74,800 means renters allocate $969/month (15.6%) while homeowners spend $1,109/month (17.8%) on housing. Together, these costs consume roughly one-third of household income, leaving moderate room for other expenses.

Consider Madison for balanced housing

If you're relocating within Illinois, Madison County offers middle-range affordability with rents and home values near state norms. Compare this to pricier McHenry County ($1,358 rent, $286,900 median home) or more affordable Marshall County before making your decision.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Madison County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

15.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,745

per month

Owner Cost Burden

17.8%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Madison County

Median home value is $167,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,340 vs. your max of $1,745.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio15.5%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Madison County, Illinois has a median monthly rent of $969/mo and a median home value of $167,900. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Madison County?

The median gross rent in Madison County is $969/mo. This is 16% above state average for Illinois.

Is Madison County affordable?

Madison County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

Madison County's median rent of $969/mo is 16% above state average of $837/mo for Illinois.

What is the median home value in Madison County?

The median home value in Madison County, Illinois is $167,900. This is 40% below the national median home value of $281,900.