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State

Data from November 2026

Housing , home prices, rents and assistance in Illinois (2026)

A typical home in Illinois is worth $263,300; the typical rent is $1,274 a month. The FHA limit for a one-unit home is $541,287 in every one of its counties. 81 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Illinois; 29 say they serve you in Spanish.

Most populous:

Typical home value by county

  • Under $105,000
  • $105,000–$126,900
  • $126,900–$146,700
  • $146,700–$185,500
  • $185,500 or more

Tap the map to see each county’s figure and open its page.

Typical home value
$263,300
21% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $332,700
Typical rent per month
$1,274
10% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $1,413
Typical household income
$83,390
3% more than the U.S.
U.S.: $80,734
FHA limit, 1 unit
$541,287
It is the same across Illinois.
U.S.: $541,287 to $1,299,500
Property tax
2.01%
of value a year
The typical bill is $5,298 a year.
U.S.: 0.94%

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

In short

Living in Illinois

A typical home in Illinois is worth $263,300, 21% less than in the country overall. Across its 102 counties, the typical value runs from $59,800 in Alexander County to $391,400 in DuPage County. A typical household earns $83,390 a year and pays $1,274 a month in rent; 48% of renters put 30% or more of their income toward housing. 67% of households live in a home they own; they pay a typical property tax of $5,298 a year, about 2.01% of value.

The conforming loan limit for a one-unit home is $832,750 across Illinois. To pay HUD’s fair rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Illinois ($1,724) without spending more than 30% of income, you need about $33.15 an hour working full time.

Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

The essentials in Illinois

More on property tax

  • General Homestead Exemption

    Lowers the equalized assessed value of your principal residence by up to $10,000 in Cook County, $8,000 in the counties next to Cook and $6,000 in the rest of Illinois.

    Illinois Department of Revenue · Verified October 15, 2026

  • Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption

    For owners 65 or older who live in the home: up to $8,000 off the equalized assessed value in Cook County and the counties next to it, and $5,000 elsewhere. In Cook County you apply every year to the County Assessor's Office.

    Illinois Department of Revenue · Verified October 15, 2026

  • Low-income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze

    Freezes the assessed value of the home of an owner 65 or older whose household earns $75,000 or less (tax year 2026, payable in 2027; $77,000 in 2027). You apply every year with Form PTAX-340 to the county assessment office.

    Illinois Department of Revenue · Verified October 15, 2026

  • State real estate transfer tax

    The state charges 50 cents for each $500 of value when the sale is recorded. Counties may add 25 cents per $500, and home-rule cities (such as Chicago) may have their own tax.

    Illinois Department of Revenue · Verified October 15, 2026

  • County and municipal transfer taxes

    On top of the state tax, the county may charge 25 cents per $500 of value and home-rule municipalities may impose one more. Buyer and seller complete the PTAX-203 declaration in the property's county.

    Illinois Department of Revenue · Verified October 16, 2026

The homes here

Housing in Illinois

What homes there are in Illinois, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

The detached house is still the most common home in Illinois, but it weighs less than in the U.S.: 58% against 61%.

Year built

In Illinois, half of the homes were built before 1971; in the U.S., before 1980.

In Illinois, 15% of homes have 1 bedroom or none (studios); 58% have 3 bedrooms or more, against 61% in the U.S..

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

The largest group of owner-occupied homes in Illinois is worth between $300K and $500K: 28%.

Monthly rent with utilities

Looking at what people pay in rent in Illinois, the most common range is between $1,000 and $1,499 a month (33%).

With a mortgage

$1,987 a month

United States: $1,963 a month

Without a mortgage

$792 a month

United States: $638 a month

Owners with a mortgage

61%

United States: 61%

In Illinois, 61% of owners have a mortgage; their typical cost is $1,987 a month, about the same as in the U.S..

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

From 2015–2019 to 2020–2024, the typical home value in Illinois rose 35%; in the U.S., it rose 53%.

Rents in Illinois rose more slowly than in the U.S.: 26% since 2015–2019, against 33%.

To compare: typical income in Illinois rose 27%; the home, +35%; the rent, +26%.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureIllinoisUnited States
Rental vacancy 5.0%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 1.0%0.9%
More than one person per room 2.5%3.4%
People per household 2.462.53
Drive alone 66%69%
Carpool 8%9%
Public transit 6%3%
Walk or bike 3%3%
Work from home 16%15%
Other means 1%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

In Illinois, the rental vacancy rate is 5.0%, about the same as in the U.S..

More than one person per room: that is how 2.5% of households in Illinois live, near the figure in the U.S. (3.4%).

By size, households in Illinois look like those in the U.S.: 2.46 people on average.

The car rules in Illinois: 66% of workers drive to work alone, and the typical trip takes 20 to 29 minutes.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Places

Explore the counties in Illinois

Sort by any column or type a name. The 25 most populous are shown; the button reveals the rest.

See the counties page

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Calculator

Work out your payment in Illinois

Start from the typical home value in Illinois, $263,300, and this week’s average rate. Move the price and the down payment to see your monthly payment. If you already visited a county, the calculator uses its numbers.

More math for Illinois

$
%

Estimated monthly payment

$2,419

FHA loan over 30 years, with estimated taxes and insurance.

See the full calculation

Prices and risks

Three official measures that help you decide: how much home prices have changed according to FHFA, how prices compare with the national average according to BEA, and how many homes sit in a flood zone according to FEMA.

Home prices

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Illinois rose 65% in the 10 years through 2025.

Price change each year

Period Illinois United States
In 2025 +5.7% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +47% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +65% +85%

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual state indexes experimental.

Source: FHFA House Price Index (HPI) Data from 2025 data FHFA House Price Index (HPI)

Cost of living

How expensive are prices here?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in 2024 prices in Illinois were about the same than the U.S. average. Housing rents were 7% lower than nationwide.

Category Illinois United States Versus the U.S.
All prices Consumer goods and services 100.0 100.0 about the same
Housing rents What renters pay 93.9 100.6 7% less
Water, power and gas Water, sewer, electricity and gas 85.0 98.4 14% less
Goods Food, clothing, transportation and more 103.8 99.6 4% more
Other services Services other than rent 100.2 100.1 about the same

BEA expresses each index as a percentage of the average U.S. price level: a higher number means higher prices, and a lower one, lower prices.

Source: Regional price parities (BEA) Data from 2024 data Regional price parities (BEA)

Flooding

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Illinois 1.5% of homes (57,540) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 25% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. 44 CFR 59.1
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. 42 U.S.C. 4012a
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. FEMA, FloodSmart
Illinois United States
Homes in a high-risk zone 1.5% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 25% 48%
All homes with NFIP insurance 0.5% 2.9%

The NFIP is the federal flood insurance program; private policies are not counted. FEMA counts homes with its National Structure Inventory. We add up the county figures FEMA publishes.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map Source: Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) As of August 3, 2026 Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA)

Places

Cities in Illinois

The 16 most populous cities with a page. Each one compares its prices and rents with its county.

See the other cities (321)

    Help to buy

    Assistance programs in Illinois

    Our list has 6 official programs that help you buy in Illinois. Each card says what kind of help it gives and when we checked its official page.

    See all 6 programs
    1. IHDAccess Home

      Limited funds remain, per the source

      IHDA second loan with deferred payments for first-time buyers in Illinois. Offered by Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA).

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    2. IHDAccess Forgivable

      Limited funds remain, per the source

      IHDA second loan forgiven little by little over ten years, for the down payment in Illinois. Offered by Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA).

      Forgivable Verified November 5, 2026

    3. IHDAccess Deferred

      Limited funds remain, per the source

      IHDA second loan with no payments until you sell or refinance, for the down payment in Illinois. Offered by Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA).

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    Tenant rights

    Tenant rights in Illinois

    Illinois law answers 4 of these 5 questions, each answer with its citation. Where it says “Data not available”, we have not verified it against the source yet.

    A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

    See every right

    1. How much can they charge for a deposit?

      Illinois law sets no maximum for the security deposit. According to the Attorney General, the deposit is normally equal to one month's rent, but there is no legal limit on what the landlord can require.

    2. When must they return my deposit?

      Under the Security Deposit Return Act, the landlord must return your full deposit within 45 days after you move out if all four apply: your building or complex has 5 or more units, you owe no back rent, you did not damage the unit, and you cleaned it before moving.

      Illinois Security Deposit Return Act

    3. If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?

      If you owe rent, the landlord first gives you a written notice demanding the overdue rent within 5 days. It is known as a “5-Day Notice.”

      735 ILCS 5/9-101 to 9-307 (Eviction Act)

    4. How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?

      If you rent month to month, the landlord can end the tenancy with at least 30 days' written notice.

      735 ILCS 5/9-101 to 9-307 (Eviction Act)

    5. Are there limits on late fees?

      Data not available

    A mother holding her baby watches her daughter blow bubbles outdoors.

    Help and advice

    Who can help you in Illinois?

    You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counselor gives independent advice on buying, renting, late payments and credit, often free or at low cost.

    81 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Illinois; 29 say they serve you in Spanish. Choose your county to see the closest ones with their phone number.

    106 public housing authorities run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Illinois.

    See all 81 agencies See the housing agencies

    Who runs the help in Illinois

    • Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)

      The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) was created by the state legislature as a self-supporting agency to finance affordable housing across Illinois. It connects people with financing programs for their homes. It partners with lenders, developers, local government, nonprofits and community groups to deliver low-cost financing programs. It provides financial assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers and homeowners.

      The agency's official page · Verified October 17, 2026

    Where to file a complaint in Illinois

    • Where to file a housing discrimination complaint

      If you believe you were discriminated against, you can file a charge (a formal complaint) with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). For housing cases, you need to file within 1 year of when the discrimination happened.

      Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) · Verified October 16, 2026

    • Help with homeowners insurance complaints or questions

      The Illinois Department of Insurance handles most insurance complaints, including home insurance. Complaints may involve coverage, claim disputes, premiums, policy cancellations, refunds or sales misrepresentations.

      Illinois Department of Insurance · Verified October 16, 2026

    Guides

    Guides for you in Illinois

    We picked them with the numbers of Illinois. Each one says why it can help you.

    Frequently asked questions about housing in Illinois

    What is the FHA limit in Illinois in 2026?

    In Illinois, the FHA limit for a one-unit home is $541,287 in every one of its counties.

    How much does a typical home cost in Illinois?

    The typical home value in Illinois is $263,300 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). The highest is in DuPage County ($391,400) and the lowest in Alexander County ($59,800).

    How much does it cost to rent in Illinois?

    The typical rent in Illinois is $1,274 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Illinois?

    At HUD's average fair market rent in Illinois ($1,724, Fiscal year 2027), about $33.15 an hour working full time, so rent stays under 30% of income.

    How much is property tax in Illinois?

    The typical property tax in Illinois is $5,298 a year, about 2.01% of home value (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    Where can I find free help in Spanish to buy a home in Illinois?

    There are 81 HUD-approved counseling agencies in Illinois; 29 say they serve you in Spanish. Each county page lists the closest ones with their phone number.

    Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); Regional price parities (2024 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).