Average Rent in Bureau County, IL↑ Rents rising 8.4% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 33,027
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 FY2025Is 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)
Nearby Cities in ILlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Buying breaks even after 5 years — worth it if you stay 5+ years.
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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💵Rent Affordability in Bureau CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in ILSee how Bureau County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Bureau CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋IL Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections