Cost of Living in Menard County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Menard County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Menard County ranks #655 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Menard County, Illinois
Menard's housing costs rank well nationally
Menard County renters spend just 11.5% of their income on rent, beating the national average of roughly 15%. With a median household income of $81,334—8.7% above the U.S. median—residents here enjoy stronger affordability than most Americans.
Best rental affordability in Illinois
Menard County's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Illinois's most affordable, well below the state average of 14.7%. At $780/month median rent compared to the state's $837, Menard renters consistently pay less while earning more.
Menard leads a competitive region
Menard's median rent of $780 undercuts neighboring Mercer County ($757) narrowly but offers significantly higher household income ($81,334 vs. $71,710). Monroe County, the region's wealthiest neighbor at $101,635 median income, commands premium rents of $996/month.
Rent doesn't strain Menard budgets
Menard households allocate 11.5% of income to rent and 15.5% to owner costs, leaving substantial breathing room for other expenses. That mortgage of $1,053/month on a median home valued at $179,300 remains highly manageable for the county's above-average earners.
Consider Menard for balance
If you're weighing Illinois locations, Menard offers the rare combination of solid income levels and restrained housing costs. Compare this county's efficiency to pricier neighbors—you may find the value proposition compelling.
Cost of Living Advisory: Menard County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Menard County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $780/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Menard County pay $780/month on average, compared to $1,053/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 26%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,129/year. With a median household income of $81,334, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Menard County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Menard County sits 7% more expensive than Christian County ($729/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Menard County
Rent Burden
11.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,898
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Menard County
Median home value is $179,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,431 vs. your max of $1,898.
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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