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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Saline County ranks #881 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 28%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Saline County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Saline County is affordable. The median rent is $711/month against a median household income of $54,945, putting rent at 15.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Saline County pay $711/month on average, compared to $678/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 5%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,057/year. With a median household income of $54,945, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Saline County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Saline County is less affordable than Shelby County by roughly 7% ($711/mo vs $762/mo).
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
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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