RentData

Average Rent in Bureau County, IL Rents rising 8.4% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 33,027

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Bureau County, IL has rental prices ranging from $662/month to $1,414/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $736/month — 47% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $65,894/year, spending $736/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Bureau County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $965/month, Bureau County ranks #22 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in Illinois — pricier than 58% of all US cities in our data.

The Bureau County Rental Market

The Bureau County, IL area has a population of about 33,027 and 24% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Bureau County, IL have risen by $75/month (8.4%) over the past year, from $890 to $965. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Bureau County, IL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $29,440. The local median household income of $65,894 exceeds that threshold by $36,454, making Bureau County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Bureau County, IL has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, 0.1 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$662
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$736
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$965
8.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,191
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,414
Affordable
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Is Bureau County, IL Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$38,600/year
Local median income: $65,894
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $965/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in ILlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
DeKalb County$952$1,058$1,388$1,891
Grundy County$1,045$1,151$1,510$1,999
Chicago$1,458$1,560$1,761$2,262
Kendall County$1,428$1,438$1,886$2,643
St. Louis$951$984$1,215$1,570
Davenport$707$831$1,025$1,336

Rent or Buy in Bureau County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Bureau County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$965/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 5 years — worth it if you stay 5+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $965/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Bureau County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Bureau County

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💵Rent Affordability in Bureau County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in IL

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⚖️Compare Bureau County

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📋IL Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections