Cost of Living in Mason County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Mason County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Mason County ranks #1,303 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mason County, Illinois
Mason meets national affordability norms
Mason County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% matches the Illinois state average exactly and sits just below the national norm. The median rent of $760/month is remarkably affordable given the national context, representing strong value for residents.
Right at Illinois's affordability average
Mason County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio equals the Illinois state average, positioning it as a solid middle-ground option across the state. At $760/month median rent, Mason is $77 below the state median and ranks among the more affordable Illinois counties.
Affordable housing with slight trade-offs
Mason's $760 rent is the lowest in the region, even beating Marion's $771 and Marshall's $767 by small margins. However, Mason's median income of $62,127 is lower than Marshall's ($69,818) and Marion's ($60,839), balancing the rent advantage with tighter overall budgets.
Housing costs balanced with income
Mason County households earning $62,127 median income spend $760/month on rent (14.7%) or $755/month on homeownership costs (14.6%). These ratios are among the best in the region, leaving room for other necessities and modest savings.
Mason delivers state-average value
Relocating to Mason County puts you at Illinois's affordability sweet spot with rents matching state norms and homes valued at just $106,100. This county offers balance: affordable housing, reasonable incomes, and none of the premium costs found in northern Illinois.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mason County
Affordability Verdict
Mason County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $760/month — about 14.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Mason County pay $760/month on average, compared to $755/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 1%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,357/year. With a median household income of $62,127, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Mason County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Mason County sits 7% more expensive than Clay County ($709/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mason County
Rent Burden
14.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,450
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Mason County
Median home value is $106,100. Estimated monthly cost: $847 vs. your max of $1,450.
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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