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Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Winnebago County, Illinois

Winnebago County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,172 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,021 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.54 an hour, full time.

Four numbers to start with

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,172
a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
32% less than in Illinois
Typical rent
$1,021
a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
20% less than in Illinois
Wage needed
$22.54
an hour, 2 bedrooms
Or $46,880 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households
50%
spend 30% or more of income on rent
4% more 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)

Only here

Renting in Winnebago County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. Among the neighboring counties, Stephenson County has the lowest typical rent ($798), 22% below the $1,021 in Winnebago County.

  2. Winnebago County has the 8th lowest homeownership rate of the 102 counties in Illinois (66%).

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 Winnebago 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 Winnebago County was $1,293 a month in September 2026: 7% 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 $816 $15.69 $32,640
1 bedroom $896 $17.23 $35,840
2 bedrooms $1,172 $22.54 $46,880
3 bedrooms $1,542 $29.65 $61,680
4 bedrooms $1,578 $30.35 $63,120

HUD area: Rockford, 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 24 ZIP codes in Winnebago County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 61016 to $1,570 in 61073. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,172).

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)

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 Winnebago County, 50% 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.

50%

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

39,606 households rent in Winnebago County

  • Spend half or more of their income 26%
  • Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
  • Spend less than 30% 50%

Compared with the state and the country

  • Winnebago 50%
  • Illinois 48%
  • United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Winnebago County

HUD lists 62 properties with homes for low-income households in Winnebago 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)
18
HUD-assisted
31
public housing
16

4,298 homes in all; 4,111 of them low-income, according to HUD.

  • Park Terrace Public housing 1000 Chamberlain St, Rockford 61107 283 homes, 278 low-income · Run by Rockford Housing Authority · Average payment: $330 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (815) 489-8520
  • Concord Commons Apartments HUD-assisted 3552 Elm St, Rockford 61102 216 low-income homes · For families · (815) 708-6409
  • Faust Landmark Apartments HUD-assisted 630 E State St, Rockford 61104 201 homes, 200 low-income · For older adults · (815) 962-3731
  • Luther Center HUD-assisted 111 W State St, Rockford 61101 201 homes, 200 low-income · For older adults · (815) 965-0055
  • Blackhawk Courts Public housing 1502 Spring Ct, Rockford 61104 196 homes, 195 low-income · Run by Rockford Housing Authority · Average payment: $298 a month · Average wait: 25 months · (815) 489-8520
  • North Main Manor Public housing 505 N Main St, Rockford 61103 187 homes, 186 low-income · Run by Rockford Housing Authority · Average payment: $340 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (815) 489-8520
  • Orton Keyes HUD-assisted 633 Ranger St, Rockford 61109 175 low-income homes · For families · (815) 489-8626
  • Valkommen Plaza HUD-assisted 310 7th St, Rockford 61104 171 low-income homes · For older adults · (815) 965-4090
  • Valley View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3303 E State St, Rockford 61108 167 low-income homes · Studio: 47 · 1 bd: 120 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
  • Park Tower Apts HUD-assisted 540 Clifford Ave, Loves Park 61111 151 low-income homes · For families · (815) 654-7292
  • Olesen Plaza Public housing 511 N Church St, Rockford 61103 151 homes, 150 low-income · Run by Rockford Housing Authority · Average payment: $296 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (815) 489-8520
  • Collier Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 2901 Searles Ave, Rockford 61101 150 low-income homes · 1 bd: 144 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2009 · Run by Winnebago County Housing Authority · Average payment: $365 a month · Average wait: 30 months · (815) 963-2133
  • Scattered Sites Public housing 1133 Benton St, Rockford 61107 149 low-income homes · Run by Rockford Housing Authority · Average payment: $442 a month · Average wait: 29 months · Homes at several sites · (815) 489-8520
  • Scattered Sites Public housing 2504 Anderson St, Rockford 61102 137 low-income homes · Run by Rockford Housing Authority · Average payment: $428 a month · Average wait: 23 months · Homes at several sites · (815) 489-8520
  • Terrace Senior HUD-assisted 2321 Halsted Rd, Rockford 61103 128 low-income homes · For older adults · (312) 527-5400
  • Greencastle of Mulford HUD-assisted 2750 N Mulford Rd, Rockford 61114 116 homes, 115 low-income · For older adults · (815) 633-5544
  • Auburn Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 4026 Auburn St, Rockford 61101 108 homes, 107 low-income · For families · (815) 964-8526
  • Pineview of Rockford SLF Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 N Show Place Dr, Rockford 61107 99 homes, 79 low-income · Studio: 49 · 1 bd: 50 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
  • Wildberry Village HUD-assisted 5725 Forest Hills Rd, Rockford 61114 74 homes, 72 low-income · For families · (815) 282-1320
  • Longwood Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) 1055 E State St, Rockford 61104 65 low-income homes · Studio: 34 · 1 bd: 31 · In service since 1998 · For older adults, people with disabilities
  • Greencastle of Bienterra HUD-assisted 250 Bienterra Trl, Rockford 61107 60 homes, 59 low-income · For older adults · (815) 227-1400
  • Spring Ridge HUD-assisted 6645 Fincham Dr, Rockford 61108 59 low-income homes · For older adults · (847) 635-4674
  • D Agnolo Public housing 806 Kocher St, Rockton 61072 50 low-income homes · Run by Winnebago County Housing Authority · Average payment: $383 a month · (815) 963-2133
  • Johnston Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 1615 Blackhawk Blvd, South Beloit 61080 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 49 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2012 · For older adults · Run by Winnebago County Housing Authority · Average payment: $418 a month · (815) 963-2133
  • The Grand Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1146 Broadway, Rockford 61104 45 low-income homes · Studio: 45 · In service since 2001
  • The Grove at Keith Creek HUD-assisted 690 S New Towne Dr, Rockford 61108 49 homes, 43 low-income · For families · (815) 904-6208
  • Champion Park Public housing 636 Maryland Ave, Rockford 61102 41 low-income homes · Run by Winnebago County Housing Authority · Average payment: $543 a month · Average wait: 132 months · Homes at several sites · (815) 963-2133
  • Clayton Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 10 Clayton Ct, Winnebago 61088 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 1997
  • Heather Glen Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2723 Silent Wood Trl, Rockford 61109 40 low-income homes · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 1998 · For people with disabilities, families
  • Kemper Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2310 Kilburn Ave, Rockford 61101 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1996
  • Village Green Apartments HUD-assisted 748 Salem St, Rockton 61072 40 low-income homes · For families · (815) 624-2453
  • Christian Life Retirement Center IV HUD-assisted 4260 Sunset Ter, Loves Park 61111 39 low-income homes · For older adults · (815) 637-6000
  • Hershey Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1832 N Main St, Rockford 61103 38 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1996
  • Jane Addams Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 502 Seminary St, Rockford 61104 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2012 · Run by Rockford Housing Authority · Average payment: $526 a month · (815) 489-8520
  • Skyrise Apts HUD-assisted 837 N Main St, Rockford 61103 170 homes, 34 low-income · For older adults · (815) 964-7307
  • Ken Rock Elderly Apartments HUD-assisted 1631 Hamilton Ave, Rockford 61109 31 low-income homes · For older adults · (815) 398-8864
  • Stepping Stones HUD-assisted 2871 City View Dr, Rockford 61103 30 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (815) 963-0683
  • Bethphage of Rockford Tax credit (LIHTC) 1831 Apple Tree Ln, Rockford 61108 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · In service since 2011
  • Heritage Homestead Apartments HUD-assisted 206 Newman St, Durand 61024 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (815) 248-4229
  • Indian Hill HUD-assisted 201 W 11th St, Pecatonica 61063 24 low-income homes · For families · (608) 822-7368
  • Winn Green Village HUD-assisted 102 Clayton Ct, Winnebago 61088 24 low-income homes · For families · (815) 282-0022
  • Christian Life Retirement Allerton HUD-assisted 5921 Allerton Dr, Rockford 61114 20 low-income homes · For families · (815) 316-0490
  • Rockford Supportive Housing HUD-assisted 5488 Wansford Way, Rockford 61109 20 homes, 19 low-income · For people with disabilities · (847) 328-6633
  • Elm Place Apt Tax credit (LIHTC) 406 Elm St, Durand 61024 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1995 · For families
  • Milestone Developments for the Disabled HUD-assisted 4069 Applewood Ln, Loves Park 61111 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (815) 654-6100
  • Anchor Housing I Tax credit (LIHTC) 504 S 3rd St, Rockford 61104 15 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 1991
  • Court Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 N Court St, Rockford 61103 15 homes, 14 low-income · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 1994
  • Milestone,inc. Elmwood East & Strat HUD-assisted 2642 Elmwood Rd, Rockford 61103 18 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (815) 654-6100
  • Meld Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 414 N Court St, Rockford 61103 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1994
  • Paige Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 420 Liston Ave, South Beloit 61080 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · In service since 1994 · For older adults, people with disabilities
  • Village Green Pecatonica II HUD-assisted 110 E 10th St, Pecatonica 61063 10 low-income homes · For families · (815) 282-0022
  • Village Green-Pecatonica I HUD-assisted 103 E 9th St, Pecatonica 61063 10 low-income homes · For families · (815) 282-0022
  • Mosaic Housing Corporation Xiv HUD-assisted 4908 Hampshire Close, Rockford 61109 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (402) 896-3884
  • Commonwealth Apartments HUD-assisted 6610 Commonwealth Dr, Loves Park 61111 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (815) 654-6100
  • Milestone Group Home HUD-assisted 3310 Searles Ave, Rockford 61101 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (815) 654-6100
  • 528 Seventh Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 528 7th St, Rockford 61104 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1996 · For families
  • Mulford Apartments HUD-assisted 635 S Mulford Rd, Rockford 61108 8 low-income homes · For older adults · (815) 708-8993
  • Wescott Homes Public housing 1922 Fremont St, Rockford 61103 4 low-income homes · Run by Winnebago County Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (815) 963-2133
  • Scattered Sites Acq Public housing 2221 N Winnebago St, Rockford 61103 2 low-income homes · Run by Rockford Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (815) 489-8520
  • Loomis Street Public housing 1907 Loomis St, Rockford 61102 1 low-income home · Run by Winnebago County Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (815) 963-2133
  • Scattered Site Acquistion Public housing 2329 15th Ave, Rockford 61104 1 low-income home · Run by Winnebago County Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (815) 963-2133
  • Scattered Sites Acq 2 Public housing 712 N Chicago Ave, Rockford 61107 1 low-income home · Run by Rockford Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (815) 489-8520

3 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 Winnebago 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 Winnebago County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

  1. 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

  2. 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)

  3. 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)

  4. 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)

  5. 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

  6. 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: Rockford, IL MSA.
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: $89,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Rockford, IL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

  • Studio $734 – $898
  • 1 bedroom $806 – $986
  • 2 bedrooms $1,055 – $1,289
  • 3 bedrooms $1,388 – $1,696
  • 4 bedrooms $1,420 – $1,736

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 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 Winnebago County

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

  • Region 1 Planning Council

    127 N Wyman St, Rockford · Spanish

    • Budget and financial counseling
    • Pre-purchase counseling

Rental assistance programs

The ones that serve in Winnebago County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Winnebago 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
Deposit and rent in advance
The deposit, in

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,344

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month
$1,172
Security deposit
$1,172
Total
$2,344

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.

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 Winnebago County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $816; 1 bedroom: $896; 2 bedrooms: $1,172; 3 bedrooms: $1,542; 4 bedrooms: $1,578. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

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

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,172) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.54 an hour full time, or $46,880 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Winnebago 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 Winnebago 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 $1,055 and $1,289 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

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

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 61016 to $1,570 in 61073. 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 Winnebago County?

HUD lists 62 properties with homes for low-income households in Winnebago 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 Winnebago County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Winnebago County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Illinois, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).