Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in McHenry County, Illinois
McHenry County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,011 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,401 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $38.67 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,011
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 17% more than in Illinois
- Typical rent
- $1,401
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 10% more than in Illinois
- Wage needed
- $38.67
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $80,440 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% more than in Illinois
Only here
Renting in McHenry County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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McHenry County has the 5th highest typical household income of the 102 counties in Illinois ($104,802).
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Among the neighboring counties, Winnebago County has the lowest typical rent ($1,021), 27% below the $1,401 in McHenry County.
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McHenry County has the 7th highest typical rent of the 102 counties in Illinois ($1,401).
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 McHenry 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 McHenry County was $1,993 a month in September 2026: 4.3% 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 | $1,678 | $32.27 | $67,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,780 | $34.23 | $71,200 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,011 | $38.67 | $80,440 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,586 | $49.73 | $103,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,954 | $56.81 | $118,160 |
HUD area: Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, 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 21 ZIP codes in McHenry County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,450 in 60072 to $3,020 in 60021. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,011).
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)
| 60012 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,830 | $1,940 | $2,190 | $2,820 | $3,220 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60013 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,770 | $1,880 | $2,120 | $2,730 | $3,110 |
| 60014 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,660 | $1,760 | $1,990 | $2,560 | $2,920 |
| 60021 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $2,520 | $2,670 | $3,020 | $3,880 | $4,440 |
| 60033 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,370 | $1,450 | $1,640 | $2,110 | $2,410 |
| 60033 | Rockford, IL | $1,370 | $1,450 | $1,640 | $2,110 | $2,410 |
| 60034 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,270 | $1,350 | $1,520 | $1,950 | $2,230 |
| 60050 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,750 | $1,860 | $2,100 | $2,700 | $3,080 |
| 60051 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,890 | $2,010 | $2,270 | $2,920 | $3,330 |
| 60071 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,380 | $1,460 | $1,650 | $2,120 | $2,420 |
| 60072 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,210 | $1,280 | $1,450 | $1,860 | $2,130 |
| 60081 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,390 | $1,470 | $1,660 | $2,130 | $2,440 |
| 60097 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,560 | $1,660 | $1,870 | $2,400 | $2,750 |
| 60098 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,390 | $1,480 | $1,670 | $2,150 | $2,450 |
| 60102 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $2,240 | $2,380 | $2,690 | $3,460 | $3,950 |
| 60142 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,770 | $1,880 | $2,120 | $2,730 | $3,110 |
| 60152 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,240 | $1,320 | $1,490 | $1,920 | $2,190 |
| 60152 | DeKalb County, IL | $1,240 | $1,320 | $1,490 | $1,920 | $2,190 |
| 60152 | Rockford, IL | $1,240 | $1,320 | $1,490 | $1,920 | $2,190 |
| 60156 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,930 | $2,040 | $2,310 | $2,970 | $3,390 |
| 60180 | Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL | $1,480 | $1,580 | $1,780 | $2,290 | $2,610 |
- 60012 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $2,190$2,820
- 60013 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $2,120$2,730
- 60014 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $1,990$2,560
- 60021 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $3,020$3,880
- 60033 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $1,640$2,110
- 60033 · Rockford, IL $1,640$2,110
- 60034 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $1,520$1,950
- 60050 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $2,100$2,700
- 60051 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $2,270$2,920
- 60071 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $1,650$2,120
- 60072 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $1,450$1,860
- 60081 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $1,660$2,130
- 60097 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $1,870$2,400
- 60098 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $1,670$2,150
- 60102 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $2,690$3,460
- 60142 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $2,120$2,730
- 60152 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $1,490$1,920
- 60152 · DeKalb County, IL $1,490$1,920
- 60152 · Rockford, IL $1,490$1,920
- 60156 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $2,310$2,970
- 60180 · Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL $1,780$2,290
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 McHenry County, 51% 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.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
20,335 households rent in McHenry County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- McHenry 51%
- Illinois 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in McHenry County
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in McHenry 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)
- 4
- HUD-assisted
- 10
- public housing
- 1
1,018 homes in all; 878 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Walden Oaks HUD-assisted 1200 Walden Oaks Dr, Woodstock 60098 192 homes, 150 low-income · For families · (815) 338-7630
- Mapletree Apartments HUD-assisted 1959 Sheila St, Woodstock 60098 120 homes, 117 low-income · For families · (815) 338-5151
- The Villager/Briarwood HUD-assisted 77 S Williams St, Crystal Lake 60014 116 low-income homes · For families · (815) 459-7788
- Hillcrest Apartments HUD-assisted 1916 N Orleans St, McHenry 60050 88 low-income homes · For families · (815) 363-5919
- Living Springs of Mchenry SLF Tax credit (LIHTC) 4609 W Crystal Lake Rd, McHenry 60050 99 homes, 79 low-income · Studio: 46 · 1 bd: 53 · In service since 2008
- Crystal Terrace HUD-assisted 192 Elmhurst Rd, Crystal Lake 60014 80 homes, 69 low-income · For families · (815) 338-5151
- Fox Hill Senior Housing, Inc. HUD-assisted 302 Front St, McHenry 60050 61 homes, 60 low-income · For older adults
- Garden Place Apartment Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 225 1st St, Cary 60013 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2017
- The Residences of Crystal Lake Tax credit (LIHTC) 355 Station Dr, Crystal Lake 60014 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Harvard Ranch Apts for Seniors Tax credit (LIHTC) 820 W Metzen St, Harvard 60033 23 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1996
- Mchenry Scattered Site Public housing 190 Beardsley St, Crystal Lake 60014 22 low-income homes · Run by McHenry County Housing Authority · Average payment: $851 a month · Homes at several sites · (815) 338-7752
- Harvard Supportive Housing HUD-assisted 600 S Howard St, Harvard 60033 15 low-income homes · For older adults · (815) 943-7013
- Taylor Place Apartments HUD-assisted 4107 W Crystal Lake Rd, McHenry 60050 8 low-income homes · (847) 564-2900
- Pearl Street Commons, LLC HUD-assisted 3512 Pearl St, McHenry 60050 25 homes, 6 low-income · (847) 849-5313
- Johnsburg Workforce Housing dba Tuckaway Townhome HUD-assisted 3607 N Richmond Rd, Johnsburg 60051 49 homes, 5 low-income · (815) 354-3297
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 McHenry 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 McHenry 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 | $25,550 | $42,550 | $68,050 |
| 2 people | $29,200 | $48,600 | $77,800 |
| 3 people | $32,850 | $54,700 | $87,500 |
| 4 people | $36,450 | $60,750 | $97,200 |
| 5 people | $39,400 | $65,650 | $105,000 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $70,500 | $112,800 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $75,350 | $120,550 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $80,200 | $128,350 |
Area median income: $121,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,510 – $1,846
- 1 bedroom $1,602 – $1,958
- 2 bedrooms $1,810 – $2,212
- 3 bedrooms $2,327 – $2,845
- 4 bedrooms $2,659 – $3,249
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
- McHenry County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,001 vouchers · 22 public housing units (815) 338-7752 McHenry County Housing Authority: kulbrich@mchenrycountyhousing.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 McHenry County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in McHenry County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Northern Illinois
13707 W Jackson St, Woodstock · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
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Restoration America, Inc.
101 N Main St Ste 14, Crystal Lake · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in McHenry 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 McHenry 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
$4,022
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,011
- Security deposit
- $2,011
- Total
- $4,022
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 McHenry County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,678; 1 bedroom: $1,780; 2 bedrooms: $2,011; 3 bedrooms: $2,586; 4 bedrooms: $2,954. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in McHenry County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,011) without spending more than 30% of income takes $38.67 an hour full time, or $80,440 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in McHenry County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $60,750 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 McHenry 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 $1,810 and $2,212 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in McHenry County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,450 in 60072 to $3,020 in 60021. 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 McHenry County?
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in McHenry 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 McHenry County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In McHenry County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Illinois, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).