Cost of Living in Wayne County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wayne County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wayne County ranks #1,343 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wayne County, Illinois
Wayne County matches national affordability
Wayne County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national average of 14.7%, indicating reliable if unremarkable housing affordability. With median household income of $53,107—the third-lowest in this group—modest rents of $632 help maintain acceptable affordability despite lower wages.
Mid-tier affordability within Illinois
Wayne County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio performs slightly better than the Illinois state average of 14.7%, ranking it in the middle tier of state counties. The county's below-average incomes are offset by genuinely low rents, delivering competitiveness within Illinois's housing market.
Wayne offers strong value against peers
Wayne County's $632 monthly rent ranks among the lowest in this group, beat only by Union County's $658. At 14.3% rent-to-income, Wayne underperforms only Union (14.0%), Warren (12.9%), and Washington (12.3%), delivering solid regional value.
Low rents offset modest household incomes
Wayne residents earning $53,107 annually pay just $632 in median rent—the lowest absolute cost in this group—consuming 14.3% of income. Owner costs of $795 pair with modest home values of $109,400, creating an attainable path to homeownership.
Wayne County suits budget-first relocators
If minimizing rent expense ranks above maximizing income opportunities, Wayne County delivers exceptional value at $632 monthly. Compare this lowest-cost option against neighbors like Vermilion or Wabash to see the financial difference a county move could deliver.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wayne County
Affordability Verdict
Wayne County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $632/month — about 14.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $632/month rent versus $795/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $163/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,071/year. With a median household income of $53,107, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Wayne County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Wayne County is less affordable than Warren County by roughly 9% ($632/mo vs $694/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wayne County
Rent Burden
14.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,239
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wayne County
Median home value is $109,400. Estimated monthly cost: $873 vs. your max of $1,239.
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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