Average Rent in Lee County, IL↑ Rents rising 9.4% YoY

Lee County, IL has rental prices ranging from $605/month to $1,319/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 $68,459/year, spending $786/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lee County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $883/month, Lee County ranks #36 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in Illinois — more affordable than 79% of all US cities in our data.

The Lee County Rental Market

The Lee County, IL area has a population of about 34,058 and 27% 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 Lee County, IL have risen by $76/month (9.4%) over the past year, from $807 to $883. 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 Lee 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 $68,459 exceeds that threshold by $37,019, making Lee County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Lee 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.

Is Lee County, IL Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Lee County?

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

Living in Lee County

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