Cost of Living in Monroe County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Monroe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Monroe County ranks #728 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Monroe County, Illinois
Monroe: wealth and housing costs aligned
Monroe County's median household income of $101,635 ranks 35.8% above the national median, while its 11.8% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the national norm of roughly 15%. This prosperous county sustains higher absolute housing costs while maintaining strong affordability ratios.
Monroe stands richest and most balanced
Monroe County's $101,635 median income is the highest among Illinois counties in this comparison, and its 11.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best despite median rents of $996. Wealth and affordability intersect favorably here.
Monroe commands region's highest costs
Monroe's median rent of $996 and median home value of $265,600 exceed all regional neighbors—Menard ($780 rent, $179,300 homes) and Mercer ($757 rent, $139,300 homes) significantly. Higher incomes justify Monroe's premium pricing.
Premium housing on premium incomes
Monroe households spend 11.8% of income on rent and 16.3% on owner costs, allocating roughly one-third of earnings to total housing—sustainable for the county's above-average earners. A $1,383/month mortgage on a $265,600 home reflects the county's upscale market.
Monroe for upwardly mobile families
Consider Monroe if your household income matches or exceeds the county's $101,635 median—you'll access the region's best schools and amenities without housing cost stress. Compare Monroe's premium to Mercer or Menard to weigh value against location appeal.
Cost of Living Advisory: Monroe County
Affordability Verdict
Monroe County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $996/month — about 11.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Monroe County pay $996/month on average, compared to $1,383/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 28%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $59,271/year. With a median household income of $101,635, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Monroe County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Clinton County where rent averages $934/month, Monroe County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Monroe County
Rent Burden
11.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,371
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Monroe County
Median home value is $265,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,120 vs. your max of $2,371.
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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