Average Rent in Shelby County, IL↑ Rents rising 10.4% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 20,867
Market Overview
Shelby County, IL has rental prices ranging from $634/month to $1,346/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $704/month — 50% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $68,457/year, spending $704/month on a 1-bedroom represents 12% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Shelby County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $924/month, Shelby County ranks #27 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in Illinois — more affordable than 64% of all US cities in our data.
The Shelby County Rental Market
The Shelby County, IL area has a population of about 20,867 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 Shelby County, IL have risen by $87/month (10.4%) over the past year, from $837 to $924. 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 Shelby County, IL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,160. The local median household income of $68,457 exceeds that threshold by $40,297, making Shelby County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Shelby County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Shelby 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 Shelby CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in ILSee how Shelby County ranks statewide
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