Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in McDonough County, Illinois
McDonough 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 $761 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
- $761
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 40% 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
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Illinois
Only here
Renting in McDonough County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
At $52,795, McDonough County ranks 4th among the 102 counties in Illinois for the lowest typical household income.
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At 63%, McDonough County ranks 6th among the 102 counties in Illinois for the lowest homeownership rate.
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 McDonough 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 | $648 | $12.46 | $25,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $714 | $13.73 | $28,560 |
| 2 bedrooms | $930 | $17.88 | $37,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,186 | $22.81 | $47,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,554 | $29.88 | $62,160 |
HUD area: McDonough 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 15 ZIP codes in McDonough County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 61411 to $1,030 in 61420. 11 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)
| 61411 | McDonough County, IL | $650 | $720 | $930 | $1,240 | $1,450 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61416 | McDonough County, IL | $650 | $720 | $940 | $1,200 | $1,570 |
| 61420 | Hancock County, IL | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,310 | $1,710 |
| 61420 | McDonough County, IL | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,310 | $1,710 |
| 61422 | McDonough County, IL | $650 | $710 | $930 | $1,190 | $1,550 |
| 61438 | McDonough County, IL | $650 | $720 | $940 | $1,200 | $1,570 |
| 61438 | Warren County, IL | $650 | $720 | $940 | $1,200 | $1,570 |
| 61440 | McDonough County, IL | $650 | $760 | $930 | $1,190 | $1,550 |
| 61440 | Schuyler County, IL | $650 | $760 | $930 | $1,190 | $1,550 |
| 61455 | McDonough County, IL | $650 | $720 | $940 | $1,200 | $1,570 |
| 61470 | McDonough County, IL | $690 | $760 | $990 | $1,280 | $1,620 |
| 61475 | McDonough County, IL | $680 | $750 | $980 | $1,240 | $1,630 |
| 61475 | Warren County, IL | $680 | $750 | $980 | $1,240 | $1,630 |
| 62326 | Hancock County, IL | $670 | $740 | $960 | $1,220 | $1,600 |
| 62326 | McDonough County, IL | $670 | $740 | $960 | $1,220 | $1,600 |
- 61411 · McDonough County, IL $930$1,240
- 61416 · McDonough County, IL $940$1,200
- 61420 · Hancock County, IL $1,030$1,310
- 61420 · McDonough County, IL $1,030$1,310
- 61422 · McDonough County, IL $930$1,190
- 61438 · McDonough County, IL $940$1,200
- 61438 · Warren County, IL $940$1,200
- 61440 · McDonough County, IL $930$1,190
- 61440 · Schuyler County, IL $930$1,190
- 61455 · McDonough County, IL $940$1,200
- 61470 · McDonough County, IL $990$1,280
- 61475 · McDonough County, IL $980$1,240
- 61475 · Warren County, IL $980$1,240
- 62326 · Hancock County, IL $960$1,220
- 62326 · McDonough County, IL $960$1,220
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 McDonough County, 48% 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.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,333 households rent in McDonough County
- Spend half or more of their income 30%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 18%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- McDonough 48%
- Illinois 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in McDonough County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in McDonough 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
- 6
- public housing
- 3
816 homes in all; 712 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Jefferson House Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 900 E Jefferson St, Macomb 61455 115 low-income homes · 1 bd: 112 · In service since 2002 · For older adults · (309) 837-9955
- Eisenhower Tower Public housing 322 W Piper St, Macomb 61455 109 homes, 107 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the County of McDonough · Average payment: $244 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (309) 837-2363
- Lafayette Square Apartments HUD-assisted 100 W Jefferson St, Macomb 61455 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (309) 833-3785
- Prairieview Public housing 401A N Prairie Ave, Macomb 61455 98 homes, 97 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the County of McDonough · Average payment: $308 a month · Average wait: 35 months · (309) 837-2363
- Turnberry Village Macomb Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Wigwam Hollow Cir, Macomb 61455 88 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 27 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities, families
- Greenbriar Public housing 770 W Hurst St, Bushnell 61422 74 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of McDonough · Average payment: $339 a month · Average wait: 28 months · (309) 837-2363
- Village at Wheeler Tax credit (LIHTC) 1641 E Wheeler Cir, Macomb 61455 44 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2009
- Fitch Manor HUD-assisted 1500 W Main St, Bushnell 61422 24 low-income homes · For families · (309) 837-2363
- MCRC Rehab Inc. HUD-assisted 602 W Washington St, Macomb 61455 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (309) 837-4876
- MCRC Housing, Inc. HUD-assisted 7 Pollock Dr, Macomb 61455 19 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (309) 837-4876
- Colchester Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 592 N Coal St, Colchester 62326 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1997
- Bardolph Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 206 W Spruce St, Bardolph 61416 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1996
- River Run Apartments HUD-assisted 400 River Run Dr, Macomb 61455 100 homes · For families · (309) 837-4811
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 McDonough 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 McDonough 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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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: $84,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: McDonough County, IL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $583 – $713
- 1 bedroom $643 – $785
- 2 bedrooms $837 – $1,023
- 3 bedrooms $1,067 – $1,305
- 4 bedrooms $1,399 – $1,709
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 the County of McDonough Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 125 vouchers · 278 public housing units (309) 837-2363 Housing Authority of the County of McDonough: home@macomb.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 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 McDonough County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Metec
2605 W Krause Ave, Peoria · 57 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
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Navicore Solutions- Peoria, IL
416 Main St, Peoria · 59 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in McDonough 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 McDonough 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 McDonough County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $648; 1 bedroom: $714; 2 bedrooms: $930; 3 bedrooms: $1,186; 4 bedrooms: $1,554. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in McDonough 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 McDonough 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 McDonough 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 McDonough County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 61411 to $1,030 in 61420. 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 McDonough County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in McDonough 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 McDonough County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In McDonough County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Illinois, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).