Cost of Living in Union County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Union County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Union County ranks #828 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Union County, Illinois
Union County offers exceptional housing value
Union County achieves a remarkable 14.0% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among these eight counties and well below the national average of 14.7%. At $658 monthly rent, the county delivers genuinely affordable housing despite a median household income of $56,420, the second-lowest in this group.
Illinois's most affordable rental market
Union County stands out statewide with a 14.0% rent-to-income ratio, significantly beating Illinois's 14.7% average and the $837 state median rent—Union charges just $658. This exceptional affordability makes Union a standout for renters prioritizing low housing-cost burden.
Union beats all regional competitors on rent
Union County's $658 rent is the lowest across all eight counties surveyed, undercutting even similarly rural Wabash County ($774) and Wayne County ($632). The county's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio beats every neighbor, reflecting genuine affordability rather than squeezed household budgets.
Housing leaves room for other necessities
With median rent of $658 and owner costs of $746 on a $56,420 household income, Union residents dedicate just 14% to housing. This low burden—compared to 17.6% in Vermilion or 17.3% in Wabash—leaves families meaningful resources for healthcare, food, and savings.
Union County rewards cost-conscious movers
Relocating to Union County makes financial sense if you're escaping high-cost regions; your dollars stretch further here than almost anywhere in Illinois. Median home values of $131,700 and rock-bottom rents mean you'll spend less on housing while maintaining a rural lifestyle.
Cost of Living Advisory: Union County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Union County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $658/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Union County is $658/month, while owner costs run $746/month. Renting saves approximately $88/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,971/year. With a median household income of $56,420, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Union County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Union County is less affordable than Clay County by roughly 7% ($658/mo vs $709/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Union County
Rent Burden
14.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,316
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Union County
Median home value is $131,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,051 vs. your max of $1,316.
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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