Average Rent in Douglas County, IL↑ Rents rising 6.1% YoY🔻 5th cheapest in IL
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 19,686
Market Overview
Douglas County, IL has rental prices ranging from $756/month to $1,239/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $786/month — 44% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $74,186/year, spending $786/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Douglas County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $870/month, Douglas County ranks #83 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in Illinois — more affordable than 88% of all US cities in our data.
The Douglas County Rental Market
The Douglas County, IL area has a population of about 19,686 and 21% 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 Douglas County, IL have risen by $50/month (6.1%) over the past year, from $820 to $870. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Douglas County, IL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,440. The local median household income of $74,186 exceeds that threshold by $42,746, making Douglas County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Douglas County, IL has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, 0.8 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 Douglas 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 Douglas County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Douglas County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Douglas 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 Douglas CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in ILSee how Douglas County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Douglas CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
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