Cost of Living in St. Clair County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Clair County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Clair County ranks #2,447 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 22%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Clair County
Affordability Verdict
St. Clair County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,032/month representing approximately 17.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in St. Clair County pay $1,032/month on average, compared to $1,154/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,457/year. With a median household income of $70,178, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in St. Clair County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Madison County where rent averages $969/month, St. Clair County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Clair County
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
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
What is the cost of living in St. Clair County, Illinois?
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How does St. Clair County's rent compare to the state average?
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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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