Cost of Living in Winnebago County, Illinois

$986/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$155,100

Median Home Value

18% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$986/mo

18% above state average

Median Home Value

$155,100

45% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

29.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Winnebago County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Winnebago County$986/mo

Illinois Average$837/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$986/mo

Median Gross Rent

$155,100

Median Home Value

$1,034/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

29.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Winnebago County, Illinois

Winnebago ranks among least affordable

Winnebago County renters spend 18.4% of income on rent, significantly exceeding the national average of 14.7% and straining household finances. This $986 monthly rent on a $64,363 median income represents one of Illinois' most challenging housing affordability situations.

Illinois' most strained rental market

At 18.4% rent-to-income ratio, Winnebago County ranks among Illinois' least affordable counties, well above the state average of 14.7%. Its $986 median rent runs $149 above state average, reflecting acute local housing demand and limited supply.

Highest costs among regional peers

Winnebago County's $986 rent and 18.4% ratio exceed all nearby counties—White, Whiteside, Williamson, and Woodford—making it the region's priciest market. This positions it distinctly less affordable than surrounding communities despite similar income levels.

Ownership slightly eases rent burden

Homeowners pay $1,034 monthly versus renters' $986, a modest $48 premium, with median home values at $155,100. Both renters and owners allocate roughly 16-18% of the $64,363 median income to housing, leaving tight margins for other necessities.

Winnebago demands financial flexibility

Relocating to Winnebago County works only for households with significant income cushions above the $64,363 median or willing to accept high housing-cost burdens. Compare its 18.4% ratio against neighboring counties to understand the affordability premium you'll pay here.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Winnebago County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

18.4%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,502

per month

Owner Cost Burden

19.3%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Winnebago County

Median home value is $155,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,238 vs. your max of $1,502.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio18.4%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Winnebago County, Illinois?

Winnebago County, Illinois has a median monthly rent of $986/mo and a median home value of $155,100. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 29.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Winnebago County?

The median gross rent in Winnebago County is $986/mo. This is 18% above state average for Illinois.

Is Winnebago County affordable?

Winnebago County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 29.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Winnebago County's rent compare to the state average?

Winnebago County's median rent of $986/mo is 18% above state average of $837/mo for Illinois.

What is the median home value in Winnebago County?

The median home value in Winnebago County, Illinois is $155,100. This is 45% below the national median home value of $281,900.