Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Stephenson County, Illinois
Stephenson 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 $798 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
- $798
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 37% 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
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 10% less than in Illinois
Only here
Renting in Stephenson County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Stephenson County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $798, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Carroll County ($818).
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 Stephenson 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 Stephenson County was $923 a month in September 2026: 33.3% 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 | $648 | $12.46 | $25,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $711 | $13.67 | $28,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $930 | $17.88 | $37,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,179 | $22.67 | $47,160 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,458 | $28.04 | $58,320 |
HUD area: Stephenson 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 22 ZIP codes in Stephenson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 61048 to $1,260 in 61019. 15 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)
| 61013 | Stephenson County, IL | $650 | $720 | $940 | $1,190 | $1,470 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61018 | Stephenson County, IL | $650 | $720 | $940 | $1,190 | $1,470 |
| 61019 | Rockford, IL | $880 | $960 | $1,260 | $1,620 | $1,860 |
| 61019 | Stephenson County, IL | $880 | $960 | $1,260 | $1,620 | $1,860 |
| 61027 | Stephenson County, IL | $650 | $720 | $940 | $1,190 | $1,470 |
| 61032 | Stephenson County, IL | $650 | $720 | $940 | $1,190 | $1,470 |
| 61039 | Ogle County, IL | $730 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,400 | $1,630 |
| 61039 | Rockford, IL | $730 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,400 | $1,630 |
| 61039 | Stephenson County, IL | $730 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,400 | $1,630 |
| 61044 | Jo Daviess County, IL | $670 | $750 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,460 |
| 61044 | Stephenson County, IL | $670 | $750 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,460 |
| 61048 | Jo Daviess County, IL | $650 | $720 | $930 | $1,180 | $1,460 |
| 61048 | Stephenson County, IL | $650 | $720 | $930 | $1,180 | $1,460 |
| 61050 | Stephenson County, IL | $660 | $730 | $950 | $1,210 | $1,490 |
| 61060 | Stephenson County, IL | $650 | $710 | $930 | $1,180 | $1,460 |
| 61062 | Carroll County, IL | $680 | $720 | $930 | $1,180 | $1,460 |
| 61062 | Jo Daviess County, IL | $680 | $720 | $930 | $1,180 | $1,460 |
| 61062 | Stephenson County, IL | $680 | $720 | $930 | $1,180 | $1,460 |
| 61067 | Stephenson County, IL | $650 | $710 | $930 | $1,180 | $1,460 |
| 61070 | Stephenson County, IL | $860 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,400 | $1,670 |
| 61089 | Jo Daviess County, IL | $690 | $760 | $990 | $1,260 | $1,550 |
| 61089 | Stephenson County, IL | $690 | $760 | $990 | $1,260 | $1,550 |
- 61013 · Stephenson County, IL $940$1,190
- 61018 · Stephenson County, IL $940$1,190
- 61019 · Rockford, IL $1,260$1,620
- 61019 · Stephenson County, IL $1,260$1,620
- 61027 · Stephenson County, IL $940$1,190
- 61032 · Stephenson County, IL $940$1,190
- 61039 · Ogle County, IL $1,060$1,400
- 61039 · Rockford, IL $1,060$1,400
- 61039 · Stephenson County, IL $1,060$1,400
- 61044 · Jo Daviess County, IL $960$1,250
- 61044 · Stephenson County, IL $960$1,250
- 61048 · Jo Daviess County, IL $930$1,180
- 61048 · Stephenson County, IL $930$1,180
- 61050 · Stephenson County, IL $950$1,210
- 61060 · Stephenson County, IL $930$1,180
- 61062 · Carroll County, IL $930$1,180
- 61062 · Jo Daviess County, IL $930$1,180
- 61062 · Stephenson County, IL $930$1,180
- 61067 · Stephenson County, IL $930$1,180
- 61070 · Stephenson County, IL $1,140$1,400
- 61089 · Jo Daviess County, IL $990$1,260
- 61089 · Stephenson County, IL $990$1,260
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 Stephenson County, 43% 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.
43%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,632 households rent in Stephenson County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Stephenson 43%
- Illinois 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Stephenson County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Stephenson 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
- 6
- public housing
- 1
710 homes in all; 688 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Parkside Westview Home Public housing 634 N Waddell Ave, Freeport 61032 182 homes, 178 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Freeport · Average payment: $313 a month · Average wait: 33 months · (815) 232-4171
- Westport Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 26 N Greenfield Drive, Freeport 61032 112 low-income homes · Studio: 8 · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2019
- Lincoln Towers & Freeport Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 320 N Harlem Ave, Freeport 61032 101 homes, 100 low-income · 1 bd: 100 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2007 · For older adults · (815) 968-7777
- Willow Park Apts HUD-assisted 300 N Park Blvd, Freeport 61032 74 low-income homes · For older adults · (815) 235-6060
- Heritage Woods of Freeport Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 S Forest Rd, Freeport 61032 76 homes, 61 low-income · Studio: 37 · 1 bd: 39 · In service since 2013
- Meadow Ridge Apartments HUD-assisted 1731 S Hance Dr, Freeport 61032 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (815) 233-9253
- Freeport Senior Housing II HUD-assisted 1730 S Hance Dr, Freeport 61032 33 low-income homes · For older adults · (815) 297-9140
- Rolling Prairie HUD-assisted 1752 S Dirck Dr, Freeport 61032 25 homes, 24 low-income · For people with disabilities · (815) 232-0060
- Lena Retreat Tax credit (LIHTC) 602 N Schuyler St, Lena 61048 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- ASI Freeport Senior Housing HUD-assisted 1756 S Dirck Dr, Freeport 61032 23 homes, 22 low-income · For older adults · (815) 232-2301
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 Stephenson 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 Stephenson 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: $86,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Stephenson County, IL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $583 – $713
- 1 bedroom $640 – $782
- 2 bedrooms $837 – $1,023
- 3 bedrooms $1,061 – $1,297
- 4 bedrooms $1,312 – $1,604
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 Freeport Public housing · 178 public housing units (815) 232-4171 Housing Authority of the City of Freeport: rgreenwood@hacf.us
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 Stephenson County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Region 1 Planning Council
127 N Wyman St, Rockford · 30 miles away · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Pre-purchase counseling
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Stephenson 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 Stephenson 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 Stephenson County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $648; 1 bedroom: $711; 2 bedrooms: $930; 3 bedrooms: $1,179; 4 bedrooms: $1,458. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Stephenson 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 Stephenson 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 Stephenson 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 Stephenson County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 61048 to $1,260 in 61019. 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 Stephenson County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Stephenson 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 Stephenson County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Stephenson County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Illinois, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).