RentData

Average Rent in Fulton County, IL Rents falling 12.7% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in IL

HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 33,259

Data review: HUD FY2021Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction
⚠️ Data notice: The most recent HUD data available for this area is FY2021. HUD may have reclassified this metro — figures may not reflect current market conditions.

Market Overview

Fulton County, IL has rental prices ranging from $563/month to $1,223/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $569/month — 59% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $58,617/year, spending $569/month on a 1-bedroom represents 12% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Fulton County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $750/month, Fulton County ranks #85 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in Illinois — more affordable than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The Fulton County Rental Market

The Fulton County, IL area has a population of about 33,259 and 22% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Fulton County, IL have fallen by $109/month (12.7%) over the past year, from $859 to $750. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Fulton County, IL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $22,760. The local median household income of $58,617 exceeds that threshold by $35,857, making Fulton County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Fulton County, IL has an unemployment rate of 3.9%, 0.0 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2021
Studio
$563
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$569
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$750
12.7% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$933
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,223
Affordable
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Is Fulton County, IL Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$30,000/year
Local median income: $58,617
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $750/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in ILlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
DeKalb County$952$1,058$1,388$1,891
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

Rent or Buy in Fulton County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Fulton County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$750/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $750/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Fulton County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Fulton County

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💵Rent Affordability in Fulton County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in IL

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⚖️Compare Fulton County

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📋IL Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections