Cost of Living in Wabash County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wabash County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wabash County ranks #1,057 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wabash County, Illinois
Wabash renters struggle with affordability
Wabash County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the least affordable in this group, exceeding the national average by nearly 3 percentage points. With median household income of $53,650—the lowest across these eight counties—residents face a genuine affordability squeeze despite modest rents of $774.
Illinois's second-least affordable county
Only Vermilion County (17.6%) exceeds Wabash's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio statewide, placing Wabash in crisis territory relative to Illinois's 14.7% average. Wabash's combination of low income and elevated housing costs indicates a regional economic challenge.
Wabash mirrors Vermilion's affordability crisis
Wabash and Vermilion form a pair of counties facing housing affordability challenges, with Wabash's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio second only to Vermilion's 17.6%. Union County (14.0%) and Wayne County (14.3%)—mere miles away—offer substantially more affordable rental markets.
Housing costs dominate family budgets
Wabash residents earning $53,650 allocate $774 monthly to rent—consuming 17.3% of household income, well above healthy thresholds. Owner costs of $697 provide slightly more breathing room, but renters here dedicate a significant portion of earnings to housing, limiting funds for other necessities.
Explore more affordable neighboring counties
If you currently live in Wabash and feel stretched financially, nearby Union County or Wayne County offer noticeably lower rent burdens at 14.0% and 14.3% respectively. A county-line move could free up meaningful income while keeping you within your existing region.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wabash County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Wabash County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $774/month in gross rent, with 24.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $774/month rent versus $697/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $77/month cheaper — a 10% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,871/year. With a median household income of $53,650, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Wabash County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Wabash County is more affordable than Cass County by roughly 7% ($774/mo vs $723/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wabash County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,252
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wabash County
Median home value is $103,900. Estimated monthly cost: $829 vs. your max of $1,252.
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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