Cost of Living in Pope County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pope County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pope County ranks #154 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pope County, Illinois
Pope County is Illinois's affordability outlier
Pope County's 8.4% rent-to-income ratio is exceptional—less than half the state average of 14.7%—thanks to extraordinarily low rents of just $438 monthly. This rural county offers the deepest affordability advantage among these eight, though median income of $62,500 remains below the national average.
Illinois's most affordable rental market
Pope County stands alone among Illinois counties for housing affordability, with rents nearly 48% below the state median of $837. Its 8.4% rent-to-income ratio is unmatched in this group and among the best in the entire state.
Pope's rents dwarf regional competition
Pope County's $438 median rent is dramatically lower than all neighbors—Pike ($659), Perry ($714), and Richland ($754)—making it Illinois's bargain basement for renters. Even homeowners pay just $675 monthly for a $165,300 median home, suggesting unique rural market dynamics.
Unbeatable affordability for renters
Pope County renters pay just $438 monthly while homeowners pay $675, among the lowest costs in the region despite a $165,300 median home value. Housing consumes only 8.4% of household income—leaving residents substantially more for savings, food, and other necessities.
Pope County for maximum savings
If affordability is your priority and you can embrace Pope County's rural character, rents of $438 monthly are unmatched in Illinois. This is where renters stretch their dollars furthest and build savings fastest.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pope County
Affordability Verdict
Pope County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $438/month — about 8.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Pope County is $438/month, while owner costs run $675/month. Renting saves approximately $237/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $17,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,929/year. With a median household income of $62,500, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 17.0% of renter households in Pope County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Pope County is less affordable than Gallatin County by roughly 12% ($438/mo vs $500/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pope County
Rent Burden
8.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,458
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Pope County
Median home value is $165,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,320 vs. your max of $1,458.
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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