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
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.
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
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.