RentData

Average Rent in Scott County, IL Rents rising 7.8% YoY🔻 5th cheapest in IL

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 4,847

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Scott County, IL has rental prices ranging from $597/month to $1,153/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $663/month — 53% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $73,013/year, spending $663/month on a 1-bedroom represents 11% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Scott County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $870/month, Scott County ranks #83 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in Illinois — more affordable than 88% of all US cities in our data.

The Scott County Rental Market

The Scott County, IL area has a population of about 4,847 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 Scott 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 Scott County, IL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $26,520. The local median household income of $73,013 exceeds that threshold by $46,493, making Scott County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Scott County, IL has an unemployment rate of 2.9%, 1.0 percentage point 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 FY2025
Studio
$597
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$663
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$870
7.8% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,048
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,153
Affordable
🔔
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Is Scott County, IL Affordable?

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

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$34,800/year
Local median income: $73,013
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $870/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in ILlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome 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 Scott County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Scott County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$870/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $870/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Scott County

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Scott County

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💵Rent Affordability in Scott County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in IL

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📋IL Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections