RentData

Average Rent in Johnson County, IL Rents falling 23.1% YoY🔻 Cheapest in IL

HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 13,350

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

Johnson County, IL has rental prices ranging from $462/month to $1,061/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $531/month — 62% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $65,203/year, spending $531/month on a 1-bedroom represents 10% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Johnson County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $700/month, Johnson County ranks #87 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in Illinois — more affordable than 99% of all US cities in our data.

The Johnson County Rental Market

The Johnson County, IL area has a population of about 13,350 and 15% 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 Johnson County, IL have fallen by $210/month (23.1%) over the past year, from $910 to $700. 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 Johnson County, IL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $21,240. The local median household income of $65,203 exceeds that threshold by $43,963, making Johnson County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Johnson County, IL has an unemployment rate of 4.4%, 0.5 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2021
Studio
$462
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$531
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$700
23.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$871
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,061
Affordable
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Is Johnson 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
$28,000/year
Local median income: $65,203
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $700/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 Johnson County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Johnson County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$700/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: $700/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Johnson 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 Johnson County

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💵Rent Affordability in Johnson County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in IL

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⚖️Compare Johnson County

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📋IL Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections