Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in McLean County, Illinois
McLean County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,287 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,009 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.75 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,287
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 25% less than in Illinois
- Typical rent
- $1,009
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 21% less than in Illinois
- Wage needed
- $24.75
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $51,480 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% less than in Illinois
Only here
Renting in McLean County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
McLean County has the 7th lowest homeownership rate of the 102 counties in Illinois (65%).
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 McLean 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 McLean County was $1,292 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 | $941 | $18.10 | $37,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $996 | $19.15 | $39,840 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,287 | $24.75 | $51,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,685 | $32.40 | $67,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,691 | $32.52 | $67,640 |
HUD area: Bloomington, 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 38 ZIP codes in McLean County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,180 in 61724 to $1,590 in 61705. 13 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,287).
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)
| 61701 | Bloomington, IL | $920 | $980 | $1,260 | $1,650 | $1,660 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61704 | Bloomington, IL | $1,050 | $1,110 | $1,440 | $1,890 | $1,890 |
| 61705 | Bloomington, IL | $1,160 | $1,230 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,090 |
| 61720 | Bloomington, IL | $950 | $1,010 | $1,330 | $1,750 | $1,760 |
| 61720 | Ford County, IL | $950 | $1,010 | $1,330 | $1,750 | $1,760 |
| 61722 | Bloomington, IL | $1,040 | $1,100 | $1,420 | $1,860 | $1,870 |
| 61724 | Bloomington, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61726 | Bloomington, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61726 | Livingston County, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61728 | Bloomington, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61728 | Livingston County, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61730 | Bloomington, IL | $880 | $930 | $1,200 | $1,570 | $1,580 |
| 61731 | Bloomington, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61731 | Ford County, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61731 | Livingston County, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61732 | Bloomington, IL | $1,110 | $1,170 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $1,990 |
| 61732 | Peoria, IL | $1,110 | $1,170 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $1,990 |
| 61736 | Bloomington, IL | $910 | $970 | $1,250 | $1,640 | $1,640 |
| 61737 | Bloomington, IL | $940 | $990 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $1,680 |
| 61744 | Bloomington, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61744 | Livingston County, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61744 | Peoria, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61745 | Bloomington, IL | $910 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,630 | $1,660 |
| 61745 | De Witt County, IL | $910 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,630 | $1,660 |
| 61748 | Bloomington, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61748 | Peoria, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61752 | Bloomington, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,570 |
| 61752 | De Witt County, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,570 |
| 61753 | Bloomington, IL | $840 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61754 | Bloomington, IL | $1,040 | $1,100 | $1,420 | $1,850 | $1,890 |
| 61754 | De Witt County, IL | $1,040 | $1,100 | $1,420 | $1,850 | $1,890 |
| 61754 | Logan County, IL | $1,040 | $1,100 | $1,420 | $1,850 | $1,890 |
| 61761 | Bloomington, IL | $910 | $960 | $1,240 | $1,620 | $1,630 |
| 61770 | Bloomington, IL | $850 | $900 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 61772 | Bloomington, IL | $1,060 | $1,120 | $1,450 | $1,900 | $1,920 |
| 61774 | Bloomington, IL | $1,150 | $1,210 | $1,570 | $2,060 | $2,060 |
| 61774 | Peoria, IL | $1,150 | $1,210 | $1,570 | $2,060 | $2,060 |
| 61776 | Bloomington, IL | $910 | $960 | $1,240 | $1,620 | $1,630 |
- 61701 · Bloomington, IL $1,260$1,650
- 61704 · Bloomington, IL $1,440$1,890
- 61705 · Bloomington, IL $1,590$2,080
- 61720 · Bloomington, IL $1,330$1,750
- 61720 · Ford County, IL $1,330$1,750
- 61722 · Bloomington, IL $1,420$1,860
- 61724 · Bloomington, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61726 · Bloomington, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61726 · Livingston County, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61728 · Bloomington, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61728 · Livingston County, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61730 · Bloomington, IL $1,200$1,570
- 61731 · Bloomington, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61731 · Ford County, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61731 · Livingston County, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61732 · Bloomington, IL $1,510$1,980
- 61732 · Peoria, IL $1,510$1,980
- 61736 · Bloomington, IL $1,250$1,640
- 61737 · Bloomington, IL $1,280$1,680
- 61744 · Bloomington, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61744 · Livingston County, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61744 · Peoria, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61745 · Bloomington, IL $1,250$1,630
- 61745 · De Witt County, IL $1,250$1,630
- 61748 · Bloomington, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61748 · Peoria, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61752 · Bloomington, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61752 · De Witt County, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61753 · Bloomington, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61754 · Bloomington, IL $1,420$1,850
- 61754 · De Witt County, IL $1,420$1,850
- 61754 · Logan County, IL $1,420$1,850
- 61761 · Bloomington, IL $1,240$1,620
- 61770 · Bloomington, IL $1,180$1,550
- 61772 · Bloomington, IL $1,450$1,900
- 61774 · Bloomington, IL $1,570$2,060
- 61774 · Peoria, IL $1,570$2,060
- 61776 · Bloomington, IL $1,240$1,620
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 McLean County, 45% 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
24,516 households rent in McLean County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- McLean 45%
- Illinois 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in McLean County
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in McLean 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)
- 17
- HUD-assisted
- 8
- public housing
- 4
2,582 homes in all; 2,344 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Holton,sunnyside,evergreen Public housing 1416 W Market St, Bloomington 61701 200 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington, IL · Average payment: $459 a month · Average wait: 19 months · Homes at several sites · (309) 829-3360
- Woodhill Public housing 104 E Wood St, Bloomington 61701 198 homes, 190 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington, IL · Average payment: $407 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (309) 829-3360
- Turnberry Village (bloomington) Tax credit (LIHTC) 901 Valley View Cir, Bloomington 61705 228 homes, 184 low-income · 2 bd: 93 · 3 bd: 91 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Phoenix Towers Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 202 W Locust St, Bloomington 61701 158 low-income homes · 1 bd: 158 · In service since 2013 · For older adults · (309) 827-0041
- Iwoodhill North Public housing 101 E Macarthur Ave, Bloomington 61701 161 homes, 136 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington, IL · Average payment: $382 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (309) 829-3360
- Amanda Brooke Apartments HUD-assisted 1402 E College Ave, Normal 61761 120 low-income homes · For families · (312) 527-4747
- Briarwood Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Northfield Dr, Normal 61761 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1994
- Briarwood Glen Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1800 Rockingham Dr, Normal 61761 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1995
- Orlando Northbrook Estates HUD-assisted 710 Orlando Ave, Normal 61761 116 low-income homes · For families · (309) 454-4144
- Turnberry Village Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 276 Reeveston Dr, Bloomington 61705 108 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Turnberry Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 304 Turnberry Dr, Bloomington 61701 104 low-income homes · 2 bd: 86 · 3 bd: 26 · In service since 1997
- Lincoln Towers & Bloomington Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 202 S Roosevelt Ave, Bloomington 61701 101 homes, 100 low-income · 1 bd: 100 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2007 · For older adults · (309) 827-6289
- Danbury Court Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Basil Way, Bloomington 61705 128 homes, 96 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Danbury Courts Tax credit (LIHTC) 19 Basil Way, Bloomington 61705 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2004
- Anglers Manor HUD-assisted 1017 S Mercer Ave, Bloomington 61701 96 homes, 95 low-income · For older adults · (309) 663-6527
- Fox Hill Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 Fox Hill Cir, Bloomington 61701 88 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1993
- Handicapped Units Public housing 810 W Jackson St, Bloomington 61701 80 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington, IL · Average payment: $422 a month · Average wait: 23 months · Homes at several sites · (309) 829-3360
- Cottage Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 S Cottage Ave, Normal 61761 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2011
- Lincoln Square Apartments HUD-assisted 1700 N School St, Normal 61761 148 homes, 46 low-income · For families · (309) 452-9474
- Bradlee Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 404 E Maple St, Le Roy 61752 36 low-income homes · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1994 · For people with disabilities, families
- The Downtowner HUD-assisted 109 W Market St, Bloomington 61701 36 low-income homes · For families · (309) 827-7289
- Mayors Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 W Washington St, Bloomington 61701 26 low-income homes · Studio: 26 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Crestwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 404 E Vernon Ave, Normal 61761 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 1994
- Gridley Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 108 E 10th St, Gridley 61744 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1996
- Lexington Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 706 N Orange St, Lexington 61753 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1995
- Spencer House Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Briarwood Dr, Danvers 61732 2 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1992 · For older adults
- Bloomington-Normal Scattered Sites HUD-assisted 1017 S Mercer Ave, Bloomington 61701 26 homes, 1 low-income · (309) 663-6527
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 McLean County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in McLean 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 | $24,600 | $40,950 | $65,550 |
| 2 people | $28,100 | $46,800 | $74,900 |
| 3 people | $31,600 | $52,650 | $84,250 |
| 4 people | $35,100 | $58,500 | $93,600 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $63,200 | $101,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $67,900 | $108,600 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $72,550 | $116,100 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $77,250 | $123,600 |
Area median income: $117,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Bloomington, IL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $847 – $1,035
- 1 bedroom $896 – $1,096
- 2 bedrooms $1,158 – $1,416
- 3 bedrooms $1,517 – $1,854
- 4 bedrooms $1,522 – $1,860
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 City of Bloomington, IL Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 467 vouchers · 606 public housing units (309) 829-3360 Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington, IL: jeremyh@bloomingtonha.com
- Housing Authority of the County of McLean, Ill. Section 8 vouchers · 316 vouchers (309) 829-3360 Housing Authority of the County of McLean, Ill.: jeremyh@bloomingtonha.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 McLean County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in McLean County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Mid Central Community Action, Inc.
1301 W Washington St, Bloomington
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in McLean 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 McLean 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
$2,574
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,287
- Security deposit
- $1,287
- Total
- $2,574
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 McLean County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $941; 1 bedroom: $996; 2 bedrooms: $1,287; 3 bedrooms: $1,685; 4 bedrooms: $1,691. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in McLean County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,287) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.75 an hour full time, or $51,480 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in McLean County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $58,500 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 McLean 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 $1,158 and $1,416 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in McLean County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,180 in 61724 to $1,590 in 61705. 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 McLean County?
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in McLean 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 McLean County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In McLean County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Illinois, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).