Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Champaign County, Illinois
Champaign County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,173 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,051 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.56 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,173
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 32% less than in Illinois
- Typical rent
- $1,051
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 18% less than in Illinois
- Wage needed
- $22.56
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $46,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 54%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 13% more than in Illinois
Only here
Renting in Champaign County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 54%, Champaign County ranks 2nd among the 102 counties in Illinois for the lowest homeownership rate.
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Champaign County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,051, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Piatt County ($1,046).
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Champaign County has the 4th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 99 counties in Illinois with this figure (54%).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Champaign County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Champaign County was $1,389 a month in September 2026: 4.8% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $983 | $18.90 | $39,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $996 | $19.15 | $39,840 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,173 | $22.56 | $46,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,474 | $28.35 | $58,960 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,542 | $29.65 | $61,680 |
HUD area: Champaign-Urbana, IL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 42 ZIP codes in Champaign County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 61847 to $1,530 in 61859. 19 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,173).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 60949 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $990 | $1,000 | $1,180 | $1,480 | $1,550 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60949 | Ford County, IL | $990 | $1,000 | $1,180 | $1,480 | $1,550 |
| 61801 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $950 | $970 | $1,140 | $1,430 | $1,500 |
| 61802 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $950 | $970 | $1,140 | $1,430 | $1,500 |
| 61815 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $1,030 | $1,040 | $1,230 | $1,550 | $1,620 |
| 61816 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $910 | $930 | $1,090 | $1,370 | $1,430 |
| 61816 | Vermilion County, IL | $910 | $930 | $1,090 | $1,370 | $1,430 |
| 61820 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $1,130 | $1,150 | $1,350 | $1,700 | $1,770 |
| 61821 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $990 | $1,000 | $1,180 | $1,480 | $1,550 |
| 61822 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $1,240 | $1,260 | $1,480 | $1,860 | $1,950 |
| 61840 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $980 | $1,000 | $1,190 | $1,510 | $1,590 |
| 61840 | Ford County, IL | $980 | $1,000 | $1,190 | $1,510 | $1,590 |
| 61843 | Bloomington, IL | $850 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61843 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $850 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61845 | Bloomington, IL | $850 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61845 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $850 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61845 | Ford County, IL | $850 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61847 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $850 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
| 61849 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $890 | $900 | $1,070 | $1,350 | $1,410 |
| 61849 | Vermilion County, IL | $890 | $900 | $1,070 | $1,350 | $1,410 |
| 61851 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $880 | $900 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,400 |
| 61851 | Douglas County, IL | $880 | $900 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,400 |
| 61852 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $850 | $950 | $1,090 | $1,390 | $1,570 |
| 61852 | Douglas County, IL | $850 | $950 | $1,090 | $1,390 | $1,570 |
| 61853 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $1,240 | $1,260 | $1,480 | $1,860 | $1,950 |
| 61859 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $1,280 | $1,290 | $1,530 | $1,920 | $2,010 |
| 61859 | Vermilion County, IL | $1,280 | $1,290 | $1,530 | $1,920 | $2,010 |
| 61862 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $850 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
| 61862 | Vermilion County, IL | $850 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
| 61863 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $850 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,450 |
| 61863 | Douglas County, IL | $850 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,450 |
| 61864 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $1,070 | $1,090 | $1,280 | $1,610 | $1,680 |
| 61866 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $860 | $870 | $1,030 | $1,300 | $1,350 |
| 61871 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $1,020 | $1,040 | $1,220 | $1,530 | $1,600 |
| 61872 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $870 | $880 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,370 |
| 61872 | Douglas County, IL | $870 | $880 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,370 |
| 61873 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $850 | $870 | $1,020 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
| 61874 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $900 | $910 | $1,070 | $1,340 | $1,410 |
| 61875 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $920 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,450 |
| 61877 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $1,090 | $1,100 | $1,300 | $1,630 | $1,710 |
| 61878 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $850 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
| 61880 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $850 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
- 60949 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,180$1,480
- 60949 · Ford County, IL $1,180$1,480
- 61801 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,140$1,430
- 61802 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,140$1,430
- 61815 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,230$1,550
- 61816 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,090$1,370
- 61816 · Vermilion County, IL $1,090$1,370
- 61820 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,350$1,700
- 61821 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,180$1,480
- 61822 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,480$1,860
- 61840 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,190$1,510
- 61840 · Ford County, IL $1,190$1,510
- 61843 · Bloomington, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61843 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61845 · Bloomington, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61845 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61845 · Ford County, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61847 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,010$1,300
- 61849 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,070$1,350
- 61849 · Vermilion County, IL $1,070$1,350
- 61851 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,050$1,330
- 61851 · Douglas County, IL $1,050$1,330
- 61852 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,090$1,390
- 61852 · Douglas County, IL $1,090$1,390
- 61853 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,480$1,860
- 61859 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,530$1,920
- 61859 · Vermilion County, IL $1,530$1,920
- 61862 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,010$1,300
- 61862 · Vermilion County, IL $1,010$1,300
- 61863 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,010$1,300
- 61863 · Douglas County, IL $1,010$1,300
- 61864 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,280$1,610
- 61866 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,030$1,300
- 61871 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,220$1,530
- 61872 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,040$1,310
- 61872 · Douglas County, IL $1,040$1,310
- 61873 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,020$1,300
- 61874 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,070$1,340
- 61875 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,090$1,430
- 61877 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,300$1,630
- 61878 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,010$1,300
- 61880 · Champaign-Urbana, IL $1,010$1,300
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Champaign County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in Illinois, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
54%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
39,299 households rent in Champaign County
- Spend half or more of their income 32%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 46%
Compared with the state and the country
- Champaign 54%
- Illinois 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Champaign County
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Champaign County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 15
- HUD-assisted
- 11
1,945 homes in all; 1,716 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Parkview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Parkview Ln, Savoy 61874 176 low-income homes · 1 bd: 110 · 2 bd: 66 · In service since 2001 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Round Barn Manor HUD-assisted 2000 W John St, Champaign 61821 156 low-income homes · For older adults · (217) 351-9090
- Round Barn Manor Preservation Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 E John St, Champaign 61820 156 low-income homes · 1 bd: 156 · In service since 2007
- Countrybrook Apartments HUD-assisted 2504 W Springfield Ave, Champaign 61821 150 low-income homes · For families · (864) 239-1000
- Town Center Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2413 N Neil St, Champaign 61820 144 low-income homes · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Eden Supportive Living Tax credit (LIHTC) 222 N State St, Champaign 61820 150 homes, 142 low-income · Studio: 104 · 1 bd: 46 · In service since 2014
- Florida House Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1502 E Florida Ave, Urbana 61802 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 120 · In service since 2007 · For older adults · (217) 328-3301
- The Haven at Market Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 503 505 Interstate DR, Champaign 61822 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 114 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Sunnycrest Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1805 S Cottage Grove Ave, Urbana 61801 101 low-income homes · 1 bd: 100 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2007 · For older adults · (217) 328-6170
- Prairie Green Apts Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2502 Prairie Green Dr, Urbana 61802 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Edge of Mall Apts. HUD-assisted 109 W Illinois St, Urbana 61801 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (217) 328-6409
- Oakwood Trace Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 304 E Bradley Ave, Champaign 61820 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- Aspen Courts/Aka/Scottswood Manor HUD-assisted 1103 Lieman Dr., Urbana 61801 137 homes, 48 low-income · For families · (217) 344-9110
- Twin Lakes Senior Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 405 Twin Lakes Dr, Rantoul 61866 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2013
- Meadowview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2004 Middletown Dr, Mahomet 61853 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Hamilton on the Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 1208 N Wright ST, Urbana 61801 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2013
- C-U Independence Apts. HUD-assisted 610 E Kerr Ave, Urbana 61802 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (217) 356-7295
- Prairie Green Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2502 Prairie Green Dr, Urbana 61802 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Village Apts of ST Joseph Tax credit (LIHTC) 811 N 3rd St, Saint Joseph 61873 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1990
- Prairie Homes HUD-assisted 106 Hartle Ave, Urbana 61802 16 low-income homes · For older adults · (217) 344-1826
- Center Apartments HUD-assisted 1105 Carroll Ave, Urbana 61802 16 homes, 15 low-income · For people with disabilities · (217) 328-9899
- Village Apartments HUD-assisted 1300 Crane Ave, Rantoul 61866 13 low-income homes · For families · (217) 328-9899
- Gregory School Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 W Columbia Ave, Champaign 61820 7 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1992
- Aspen Court HUD-assisted 1557 Hunter St, Urbana 61802 137 homes, 6 low-income · (317) 605-0596
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Champaign County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Champaign County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,300 | $38,850 | $62,100 |
| 2 people | $26,600 | $44,400 | $71,000 |
| 3 people | $29,950 | $49,950 | $79,850 |
| 4 people | $33,250 | $55,450 | $88,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $59,900 | $95,800 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $64,350 | $102,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $68,800 | $110,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $73,200 | $117,100 |
Area median income: $114,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Champaign-Urbana, IL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $885 – $1,081
- 1 bedroom $896 – $1,096
- 2 bedrooms $1,056 – $1,290
- 3 bedrooms $1,327 – $1,621
- 4 bedrooms $1,388 – $1,696
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Housing Authority of Champaign County Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,435 vouchers (217) 378-7100 Housing Authority of Champaign County: davidn@hacc.net
Housing agencies in Illinois Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Illinois
What Illinois law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 5 days
- 735 ILCS 5/9-101 to 9-307 (Eviction Act)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- 735 ILCS 5/9-101 to 9-307 (Eviction Act)
- Only a court order can remove you735 ILCS 5/9-101 to 9-307 (Eviction Act)
- Protection from retaliation765 ILCS 721 (Landlord Retaliation Act)
- Protection related to immigration statusIllinois Human Rights Act
Help
Where to get help with rent in Champaign County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Champaign County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County
1914 Glenn Park Dr, Champaign
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Champaign County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)
Run by Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)
Illinois state help to pay back rent and court costs if you already have an eviction case for nonpayment
Open, per the source
See details
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Champaign County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Illinois, the average home bill was $110 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,346
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,173
- Security deposit
- $1,173
- Total
- $2,346
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Champaign County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $983; 1 bedroom: $996; 2 bedrooms: $1,173; 3 bedrooms: $1,474; 4 bedrooms: $1,542. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Champaign County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,173) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.56 an hour full time, or $46,920 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Champaign County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $55,450 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Champaign County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,056 and $1,290 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Champaign County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 61847 to $1,530 in 61859. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Champaign County?
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Champaign County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Champaign County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Champaign County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in Illinois, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).