Renting in Macon County, Illinois: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,091; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 37% less than in Illinois
Typical rent: $847; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 34% less than in Illinois
Wage needed: $20.98; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $43,640 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 40%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 16% less than in Illinois

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

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 Macon 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 Macon County was $1,059 a month in September 2026: 5.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$851	$16.37	$34,040
1 bedroom	$857	$16.48	$34,280
2 bedrooms	$1,091	$20.98	$43,640
3 bedrooms	$1,407	$27.06	$56,280
4 bedrooms	$1,724	$33.15	$68,960

HUD area: Decatur, IL MSA. 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 20 ZIP codes in Macon County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 61925 to $1,340 in 62501. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,091).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

61756	De Witt County, IL	$820	$830	$1,060	$1,360	$1,680
61756	Decatur, IL	$820	$830	$1,060	$1,360	$1,680
61925	Decatur, IL	$760	$770	$960	$1,250	$1,540
61925	Moultrie County, IL	$760	$770	$960	$1,250	$1,540
62501	De Witt County, IL	$1,050	$1,050	$1,340	$1,730	$2,120
62501	Decatur, IL	$1,050	$1,050	$1,340	$1,730	$2,120
62514	Decatur, IL	$880	$880	$1,130	$1,450	$1,780
62521	Decatur, IL	$920	$930	$1,180	$1,520	$1,860
62522	Decatur, IL	$810	$820	$1,040	$1,340	$1,640
62523	Decatur, IL	$760	$770	$960	$1,250	$1,540
62526	Decatur, IL	$830	$830	$1,060	$1,370	$1,670
62532	Decatur, IL	$890	$890	$1,130	$1,460	$1,790
62535	Decatur, IL	$830	$850	$1,060	$1,410	$1,670
62537	Decatur, IL	$820	$820	$1,050	$1,350	$1,650
62544	Decatur, IL	$860	$860	$1,100	$1,420	$1,740
62544	Shelby County, IL	$860	$860	$1,100	$1,420	$1,740
62549	Decatur, IL	$760	$770	$970	$1,250	$1,540
62551	Decatur, IL	$800	$810	$1,030	$1,330	$1,630
62554	Decatur, IL	$920	$930	$1,180	$1,520	$1,860
62573	Decatur, IL	$810	$820	$1,040	$1,340	$1,640

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
61756 · De Witt County, IL $1,060$1,360
61756 · Decatur, IL $1,060$1,360
61925 · Decatur, IL $960$1,250
61925 · Moultrie County, IL $960$1,250
62501 · De Witt County, IL $1,340$1,730
62501 · Decatur, IL $1,340$1,730
62514 · Decatur, IL $1,130$1,450
62521 · Decatur, IL $1,180$1,520
62522 · Decatur, IL $1,040$1,340
62523 · Decatur, IL $960$1,250
62526 · Decatur, IL $1,060$1,370
62532 · Decatur, IL $1,130$1,460
62535 · Decatur, IL $1,060$1,410
62537 · Decatur, IL $1,050$1,350
62544 · Decatur, IL $1,100$1,420
62544 · Shelby County, IL $1,100$1,420
62549 · Decatur, IL $970$1,250
62551 · Decatur, IL $1,030$1,330
62554 · Decatur, IL $1,180$1,520
62573 · Decatur, IL $1,040$1,340

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 Macon County, 40% 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.

40%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

12,975 households rent in Macon County

Spend half or more of their income 19%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
Spend less than 30% 60%

Compared with the state and the country

Macon 40%
Illinois 48%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Macon County

HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Macon 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): 10
HUD-assisted: 14
public housing: 7

2,440 homes in all; 2,116 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Southern Hills/Orlando Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3077 Southern Hills Dr, Decatur 62526 212 low-income homes · 1 bd: 130 · 2 bd: 70 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For families · (217) 875-5511
Oxford House Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2700 N Monroe St, Decatur 62526 156 low-income homes · 1 bd: 156 · In service since 2012 · For older adults · (301) 274-5553
Decatur Public housing 1221 N Van Dyke St, Decatur 62522 151 low-income homes · Run by Decatur Housing Authority · Average payment: $285 a month · Average wait: 16 months · (217) 423-7711
Spring Creek Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2727 N Monroe St, Decatur 62526 137 low-income homes · 1 bd: 130 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2004 · For older adults · (217) 875-3450
Belvedere Center Plaza HUD-assisted 225 W Wood St, Decatur 62523 123 homes, 122 low-income · For older adults · (217) 425-8822
Decatur Public housing 333 E Center St, Decatur 62526 153 homes, 120 low-income · Run by Decatur Housing Authority · Average payment: $251 a month · Average wait: 19 months · (217) 423-7711
Decatur Public housing 1096 W Decatur St, Decatur 62522 112 low-income homes · Run by Decatur Housing Authority · Average payment: $293 a month · Average wait: 19 months · (217) 423-7711
Greenwood Manor HUD-assisted 333 S Main St, Decatur 62523 108 low-income homes · For families · (217) 423-2591
Wabash Crossing Public housing 1001 N Ml King, Decatur 62521 206 homes, 100 low-income · Run by Decatur Housing Authority · Average payment: $327 a month · Homes at several sites · (217) 423-7711
Carriage House II HUD-assisted 3757 N Portage Pl, Decatur 62526 100 low-income homes · For families · (217) 875-0150
Scattered Sites Public housing 719 Cassell Ct, Decatur 62521 95 low-income homes · Run by Decatur Housing Authority · Average payment: $395 a month · Average wait: 52 months · Homes at several sites · (217) 423-7711
Hickory Point Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 189 W Hickory Point Rd, Decatur 62526 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 1995
Eagle Ridge of Decatur SLF Tax credit (LIHTC) 829 W McKinley Ave, Decatur 62526 76 low-income homes · Studio: 6 · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2007
Roosevelt Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 W Grand Ave, Decatur 62522 75 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 21 · 3 bd: 45 · In service since 2004 · For families
Wabash Crossing II Public housing 601 E Condit St, Decatur 62521 175 homes, 68 low-income · Run by Decatur Housing Authority · Average payment: $258 a month · Homes at several sites · (217) 423-7711
Heritage Place at Lakeshore Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1035 S Main St, Decatur 62521 80 homes, 68 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
Willow Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1460 E Wellington Way, Decatur 62526 64 homes, 63 low-income · 1 bd: 63 · In service since 2010 · For older adults · (217) 875-7344
Victorian Woods HUD-assisted 3910 W Main St, Decatur 62522 59 low-income homes · For older adults · (815) 874-0592
The Woods HUD-assisted 3010 E Mound Rd, Decatur 62526 57 low-income homes · For older adults · (217) 877-5123
Wabash Crossing Phase III Public housing 450 E Leafland Ave, Decatur 62521 90 homes, 35 low-income · Run by Decatur Housing Authority · Average payment: $378 a month · (217) 423-7711
Eagle Ridge of Decatur SLF II Tax credit (LIHTC) 875 W McKinley Ave, Decatur 62526 37 homes, 28 low-income · Studio: 5 · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
Country Place Apts (MAROA) Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 S Maple St, Maroa 61756 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
Heritage Fields Apts HUD-assisted 3595 N Charles St, Decatur 62526 18 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
Heritage Grove HUD-assisted 365 E Waggoner St, Decatur 62526 17 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (217) 422-4384
Woodford Apartments HUD-assisted 1025 W Wood St, Decatur 62522 16 low-income homes · For older adults · (217) 423-6199
Heritage Fields III HUD-assisted 3595 N Charles St, Decatur 62526 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
Woodford Indepedent Group Residence HUD-assisted 111 Timari Ct, Decatur 62521 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (217) 423-6199

4 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Macon 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 Macon 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Decatur, IL MSA.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$20,000	$33,300	$53,300
2 people	$22,850	$38,050	$60,900
3 people	$27,320	$42,800	$68,500
4 people	$33,000	$47,550	$76,100
5 people	$38,680	$51,400	$82,200
6 people	$44,360	$55,200	$88,300
7 people	$50,040	$59,000	$94,400
8 people	$55,720	$62,800	$100,500

Area median income: $95,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Decatur, IL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $766 – $936
1 bedroom $771 – $943
2 bedrooms $982 – $1,200
3 bedrooms $1,266 – $1,548
4 bedrooms $1,552 – $1,896

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

Decatur Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,249 vouchers · 949 public housing units (217) 423-7711 Decatur Housing Authority: lcampbell@decaturhousing.com

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 rule

Compare these rules with other states →

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

When must they return my deposit?: 45 days; Illinois Security Deposit Return Act
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 Macon County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Macon County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

CI
Community Investment Corporation of Decatur, Inc

120 N Franklin St Ste C, Decatur
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
(217) 423-0352

Rental assistance programs

The ones that serve in Macon 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

See every agency in Illinois Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Macon 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

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Macon County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,091. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,182

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,091
Security deposit: $1,091
Total: $2,182

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Macon County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $851; 1 bedroom: $857; 2 bedrooms: $1,091; 3 bedrooms: $1,407; 4 bedrooms: $1,724. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Macon County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,091) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.98 an hour full time, or $43,640 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Macon County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,550 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 Macon 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 $982 and $1,200 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Macon County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 61925 to $1,340 in 62501. 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 Macon County?

HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Macon 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 Macon County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Macon County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in Illinois, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Macon County, Illinois

Four numbers to start with

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Macon County

The Section 8 voucher in Macon County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Illinois

Where to get help with rent in Macon County

Rental assistance programs

Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Macon County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Macon County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Macon County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Macon County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Macon County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Macon County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Macon County?