Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Knox County, Illinois
Knox County has a HUD fair market rent of $930 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $788 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $17.88 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $930
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 46% less than in Illinois
- Typical rent
- $788
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 38% less than in Illinois
- Wage needed
- $17.88
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $37,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 52%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% more than in Illinois
Only here
Renting in Knox County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Knox County has the 7th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 99 counties in Illinois with this figure (52%).
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 Knox 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $703 | $13.52 | $28,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $711 | $13.67 | $28,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $930 | $17.88 | $37,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,204 | $23.15 | $48,160 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,241 | $23.87 | $49,640 |
HUD area: Knox County, IL. 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 25 ZIP codes in Knox County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 61402 to $1,080 in 61436. 20 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($930).
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)
| 61401 | Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $740 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,640 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61401 | Knox County, IL | $740 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,640 |
| 61401 | Warren County, IL | $740 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,640 |
| 61402 | Knox County, IL | $700 | $710 | $930 | $1,200 | $1,250 |
| 61410 | Knox County, IL | $700 | $710 | $930 | $1,200 | $1,390 |
| 61410 | Warren County, IL | $700 | $710 | $930 | $1,200 | $1,390 |
| 61414 | Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $790 | $840 | $1,040 | $1,350 | $1,640 |
| 61414 | Knox County, IL | $790 | $840 | $1,040 | $1,350 | $1,640 |
| 61428 | Knox County, IL | $710 | $720 | $940 | $1,210 | $1,250 |
| 61430 | Knox County, IL | $780 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,330 | $1,370 |
| 61436 | Knox County, IL | $820 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,420 | $1,440 |
| 61439 | Knox County, IL | $720 | $720 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,260 |
| 61448 | Knox County, IL | $700 | $710 | $930 | $1,200 | $1,240 |
| 61458 | Knox County, IL | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,380 |
| 61467 | Knox County, IL | $770 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,320 | $1,360 |
| 61472 | Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $740 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,640 |
| 61472 | Knox County, IL | $740 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,640 |
| 61474 | Fulton County, IL | $680 | $740 | $950 | $1,250 | $1,390 |
| 61474 | Knox County, IL | $680 | $740 | $950 | $1,250 | $1,390 |
| 61474 | Warren County, IL | $680 | $740 | $950 | $1,250 | $1,390 |
| 61485 | Knox County, IL | $720 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,270 |
| 61488 | Knox County, IL | $700 | $710 | $930 | $1,200 | $1,240 |
| 61489 | Knox County, IL | $700 | $740 | $940 | $1,220 | $1,310 |
| 61489 | Peoria, IL | $700 | $740 | $940 | $1,220 | $1,310 |
| 61572 | Knox County, IL | $810 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,380 | $1,430 |
- 61401 · Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL $1,030$1,350
- 61401 · Knox County, IL $1,030$1,350
- 61401 · Warren County, IL $1,030$1,350
- 61402 · Knox County, IL $930$1,200
- 61410 · Knox County, IL $930$1,200
- 61410 · Warren County, IL $930$1,200
- 61414 · Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL $1,040$1,350
- 61414 · Knox County, IL $1,040$1,350
- 61428 · Knox County, IL $940$1,210
- 61430 · Knox County, IL $1,030$1,330
- 61436 · Knox County, IL $1,080$1,420
- 61439 · Knox County, IL $950$1,240
- 61448 · Knox County, IL $930$1,200
- 61458 · Knox County, IL $1,010$1,350
- 61467 · Knox County, IL $1,020$1,320
- 61472 · Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL $1,030$1,350
- 61472 · Knox County, IL $1,030$1,350
- 61474 · Fulton County, IL $950$1,250
- 61474 · Knox County, IL $950$1,250
- 61474 · Warren County, IL $950$1,250
- 61485 · Knox County, IL $950$1,230
- 61488 · Knox County, IL $930$1,200
- 61489 · Knox County, IL $940$1,220
- 61489 · Peoria, IL $940$1,220
- 61572 · Knox County, IL $1,070$1,380
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 Knox County, 52% 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.
52%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,120 households rent in Knox County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 48%
Compared with the state and the country
- Knox 52%
- Illinois 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Knox County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Knox County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 4
1,244 homes in all; 1,161 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Family Housing Public housing 572 Iowa Ave, Galesburg 61401 196 homes, 190 low-income · Run by Knox County Housing Authority · Average payment: $345 a month · Average wait: 7 months · Homes at several sites · (309) 342-8129
- Moon Towers Public housing 255 W Tompkins St, Galesburg 61401 200 homes, 177 low-income · Run by Knox County Housing Authority · Average payment: $262 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (309) 342-8129
- Mary Allen West Tower Apartments HUD-assisted 121 W Simmons St, Galesburg 61401 153 low-income homes · For families · (309) 342-6493
- Sandburg Village Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 666 Home Blvd, Galesburg 61401 128 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 16 · For families · (309) 344-2192
- Galesburg Towers HUD-assisted 1384 N Henderson St, Galesburg 61401 123 homes, 122 low-income · For older adults · (309) 343-5565
- Turnberry Village-Galesburg Tax credit (LIHTC) 279 Michigan Ave, Galesburg 61401 112 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- Parkway Estates of Galesburg Tax credit (LIHTC) 1711 W Carl Sandburg Dr, Galesburg 61401 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1997
- Whiting Hall HUD-assisted 19 E Tompkins St, Galesburg 61401 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (309) 342-6400
- Blue Bell Tower Public housing 300 N Jefferson St, Abingdon 61410 51 low-income homes · Run by Knox County Housing Authority · Average payment: $319 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (309) 342-8129
- Bridgeway Homes 02 HUD-assisted 1191 Jefferson St, Galesburg 61401 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Riverway Apartments HUD-assisted 1974 Windish Dr, Galesburg 61401 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (309) 343-2290
- Spoon River Apartments HUD-assisted 1084 Lawrence Ave, Galesburg 61401 15 low-income homes · For older adults · (309) 343-2291
- Willoway Apartments HUD-assisted 1235 W Carl Sandburg Dr, Galesburg 61401 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (309) 344-2323
- Prairieland Townhouses HUD-assisted 301 Huston St, Galesburg 61401 66 homes, 13 low-income · For families · (309) 343-0460
- Maple Crest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 447 E Willard St, Wataga 61488 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Sunnyview B & E Tax credit (LIHTC) 421 E Willard St, Wataga 61488 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Family Housing 504 Public housing 965 W Berrien St, Galesburg 61401 6 low-income homes · Run by Knox County Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (309) 342-8129
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Knox 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 Knox County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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
-
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 | $18,850 | $31,400 | $50,250 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $35,900 | $57,400 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,400 | $64,600 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $44,850 | $71,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,450 | $77,500 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $52,050 | $83,250 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $55,650 | $89,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $59,250 | $94,750 |
Area median income: $86,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Knox County, IL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $633 – $773
- 1 bedroom $640 – $782
- 2 bedrooms $837 – $1,023
- 3 bedrooms $1,084 – $1,324
- 4 bedrooms $1,117 – $1,365
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
- Knox County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 285 vouchers · 424 public housing units (309) 342-8129 Knox County Housing Authority: dantoine@knoxhousing.org
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 Knox County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Metec
2605 W Krause Ave, Peoria · 35 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
-
Navicore Solutions- Peoria, IL
416 Main St, Peoria · 37 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
-
Economic Growth Corporation
371 3rd St W, Milan · 40 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 5 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Knox County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
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 Knox 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
$1,860
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $930
- Security deposit
- $930
- Total
- $1,860
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 Knox County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $703; 1 bedroom: $711; 2 bedrooms: $930; 3 bedrooms: $1,204; 4 bedrooms: $1,241. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Knox County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($930) without spending more than 30% of income takes $17.88 an hour full time, or $37,200 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Knox County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $44,850 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 Knox 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 $837 and $1,023 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Knox County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 61402 to $1,080 in 61436. 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 Knox County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Knox County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. 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 Knox County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Knox County, 52% of renter households are in that position; in Illinois, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).