Average Rent in DeKalb County, IL↑ Rents rising 4.6% YoY🔺 4th priciest in IL
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 9,359,555
Market Overview
DeKalb County, IL has rental prices ranging from $952/month to $2,331/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,058/month — 24% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $88,850/year, spending $1,058/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How DeKalb County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,388/month, DeKalb County ranks #4 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in Illinois — pricier than 89% of all US cities in our data.
The DeKalb County Rental Market
The DeKalb County, IL area has a population of about 9,359,555 and 35% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in DeKalb County, IL have risen by $61/month (4.6%) over the past year, from $1,327 to $1,388. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in DeKalb County, IL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $42,320. The local median household income of $88,850 exceeds that threshold by $46,530, making DeKalb County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Neighborhoods
Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across DeKalb County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Pleasent Street ($191,622 median home value), North 5th Ward ($259,833 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is DeKalb County, IL Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in ILlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grundy County | $1,045 | $1,151 | $1,510 | $1,999 | — |
| Chicago | $1,458 | $1,560 | $1,761 | $2,262 | — |
| Kendall County | $1,428 | $1,438 | $1,886 | $2,643 | — |
| St. Louis | $951 | $984 | $1,215 | $1,570 | — |
| Davenport | $707 | $831 | $1,025 | $1,336 | — |
| Fulton County | $659 | $663 | $870 | $1,200 | — |
Rent or Buy in DeKalb County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real DeKalb County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in DeKalb County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in DeKalb CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in ILSee how DeKalb County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare DeKalb CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋IL Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections