Average Rent in Decatur, IL↑ Rents rising 6.0% YoY

Decatur, IL has rental prices ranging from $765/month to $1,558/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $803/month — 43% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $62,449/year, spending $803/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Decatur Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,000/month, Decatur ranks #17 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in Illinois — pricier than 65% of all US cities in our data.

The Decatur Rental Market

The Decatur, IL area has a population of about 102,591 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Decatur, IL have risen by $57/month (6.0%) over the past year, from $943 to $1,000. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Decatur, IL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,120. The local median household income of $62,449 exceeds that threshold by $30,329, making Decatur relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Decatur, IL is $107,783, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 9.0. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 9 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Is Decatur, IL Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Decatur?

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

Living in Decatur

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