Cost of Living in Perry County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Perry County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Perry County ranks #606 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Perry County, Illinois
Perry County rents rival the national norm
Perry County renters spend 14.4% of their income on housing, slightly below the state average of 14.7% but tracking close to national affordability patterns. With a median household income of $59,286—about 21% below the national median of $74,755—residents here earn less but pay proportionally similar housing costs.
Middle of the pack in Illinois
Perry County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio places it in the middle tier of Illinois counties for housing affordability. The county's median rent of $714 falls $123 below the state average, offering modest relief for renters in a state where housing costs vary widely.
Cheaper than Pike, pricier than Pope
Perry County's $714 median rent sits between nearby Pike County ($659) and Richland County ($754), making it a reasonable option in southern Illinois. Perry homeowners face $692 monthly costs, similar to Pike County's $765 but less than Piatt County's $1,098.
Renters and owners share the load
Perry County renters pay $714 monthly while homeowners pay $692, making ownership slightly cheaper for those who can afford the down payment on the $105,200 median home. Together, housing consumes roughly 14% of household income—the sweet spot for affordability where people can still cover other essentials.
Consider Perry if you value balance
Perry County offers stable housing costs below state averages without requiring the higher incomes of northern Illinois. If you're relocating to southern Illinois, compare Perry's $714 rents to neighboring counties to find your best fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Perry County
Affordability Verdict
Perry County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $714/month — about 14.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Perry County pay $714/month on average, compared to $692/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,657/year. With a median household income of $59,286, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Perry County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Perry County is less affordable than Stark County by roughly 7% ($714/mo vs $765/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Perry County
Rent Burden
14.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,383
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Perry County
Median home value is $105,200. Estimated monthly cost: $840 vs. your max of $1,383.
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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