Cost of Living in Saline County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Saline County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Saline County, Illinois
Saline offers rare affordability in Illinois
Saline County stands out with the lowest rents in this region—just $711 monthly—yet carries a rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% due to its below-average median income of $54,945. This creates a paradox: cheap rent paired with lower earnings means renters still allocate similar shares of income to housing as wealthier counties.
Illinois's most affordable rental market
Saline County's median rent of $711 ranks among Illinois's lowest, running $126 below the state average of $837. However, the county's median household income of $54,945 is also among the state's lowest, so affordability is relative.
Cheapest rents in the region
Saline's $711 rent significantly undercuts neighboring Sangamon County ($954) and Stark County ($765), making it the region's bargain-basement option. Home values follow suit, with a median of $92,900—the lowest among comparable counties and ideal for first-time homebuyers.
Low rents, lower income, tight budgets
Saline renters pay just $711 monthly while homeowners pay $678, but these costs consume 15.5% and 14.8% of the median $54,945 income respectively. The tradeoff: rural affordability comes with limited job opportunities and lower overall earning potential.
Saline: best for rural, budget-conscious movers
If you're relocating to rural Illinois on a tight budget, Saline County's $711 rent and $92,900 median home price are unbeatable. However, compare job prospects against higher-paying counties like Sangamon before deciding—affordability matters less if wages can't sustain it.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Saline County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,282
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Saline County
Median home value is $92,900. Estimated monthly cost: $742 vs. your max of $1,282.
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.