Average Rent in Hamilton County, IL↑ Rents rising 7.8% YoY🔻 5th cheapest in IL
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 7,972
Market Overview
Hamilton County, IL has rental prices ranging from $597/month to $1,239/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $705/month — 50% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $61,520/year, spending $705/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Hamilton County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $870/month, Hamilton County ranks #83 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in Illinois — more affordable than 88% of all US cities in our data.
The Hamilton County Rental Market
The Hamilton County, IL area has a population of about 7,972 and 22% 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 Hamilton County, IL have risen by $63/month (7.8%) over the past year, from $807 to $870. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Hamilton County, IL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,200. The local median household income of $61,520 exceeds that threshold by $33,320, making Hamilton County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Hamilton County, IL has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, 0.2 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Hamilton County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Hamilton 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 Hamilton CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in ILSee how Hamilton County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Hamilton CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋IL Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections