Cost of Living in Stark County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Stark County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Stark County ranks #503 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Stark County, Illinois
Stark County matches national affordability
Stark County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% aligns perfectly with the national average, though its median income of $62,284 trails the national median by $12,471. The county achieves national-level affordability partly through lower rents of $765, compensating for below-average earnings.
Average Illinois affordability
Stark County ranks near the middle of Illinois counties for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.7%—exactly matching the state average. Median rents of $765 run slightly below the state average, reflecting its rural character.
Reasonable costs in rural northwest Illinois
Stark's $765 rent sits between Saline ($711) and Sangamon ($954), while median home values of $103,500 reflect stable rural pricing. This positioning makes Stark a moderate option for those seeking authentic small-town living without extreme costs.
14.7% of income toward housing
Renters pay $765 monthly while homeowners pay $801, each consuming roughly 14.7% of the median $62,284 household income. This leaves Stark families with modest but meaningful discretionary income—adequate for rural households but tight for growing families.
Stark: solid small-town option
Relocating to rural Illinois with limited budget? Stark County delivers average affordability at $765 rent and $103,500 home values. Verify local employment opportunities first—rural areas require stable income to make affordability advantage meaningful.
Cost of Living Advisory: Stark County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Stark County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $765/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $765/month rent versus $801/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $36/month cheaper — a 4% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,329/year. With a median household income of $62,284, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Stark County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Stark County sits 7% more expensive than Perry County ($714/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Stark County
Rent Burden
14.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,453
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Stark County
Median home value is $103,500. Estimated monthly cost: $826 vs. your max of $1,453.
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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