Cost of Living in St. Clair County, Illinois

$1,032/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$168,800

Median Home Value

23% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,032/mo

23% above state average

Median Home Value

$168,800

40% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

28.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How St. Clair County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

St. Clair County$1,032/mo

Illinois Average$837/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,032/mo

Median Gross Rent

$168,800

Median Home Value

$1,154/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

28.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in St. Clair County, Illinois

St. Clair's housing costs pinch household budgets

St. Clair County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% is the highest in this region and well above the national average, signaling tight affordability for residents. With median income of $70,178 and rents of $1,032, St. Clair households spend more on rent relative to earnings than national norms.

Among Illinois's least affordable counties

St. Clair County ranks among Illinois's least affordable markets, with a 17.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeding the state average of 14.7%. This gap reflects regional economic pressures, particularly around the Belleville-Collinsville area.

Priciest rents in the region

St. Clair's $1,032 monthly rent is the highest among all comparable counties, exceeding Sangamon by $78 and nearly double Saline's rate. Home values of $168,800 similarly rank high, indicating tight affordability across the board.

17.6% of income goes to rent

Renters spend $1,032 monthly while homeowners pay $1,154, consuming 17.6% and 19.7% of the median $70,178 household income respectively. These percentages are significantly above healthy affordability thresholds, straining household budgets.

St. Clair: only if earnings match costs

Considering St. Clair County? Its $1,032 rent and 17.6% rent-to-income ratio demand higher earnings than regional peers. Compare your expected salary against these costs carefully—affordability improves only with above-average incomes.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Clair County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

17.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,637

per month

Owner Cost Burden

19.7%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in St. Clair County

Median home value is $168,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,348 vs. your max of $1,637.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio17.6%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in St. Clair County, Illinois?

St. Clair County, Illinois has a median monthly rent of $1,032/mo and a median home value of $168,800. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in St. Clair County?

The median gross rent in St. Clair County is $1,032/mo. This is 23% above state average for Illinois.

Is St. Clair County affordable?

St. Clair County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does St. Clair County's rent compare to the state average?

St. Clair County's median rent of $1,032/mo is 23% above state average of $837/mo for Illinois.

What is the median home value in St. Clair County?

The median home value in St. Clair County, Illinois is $168,800. This is 40% below the national median home value of $281,900.