Illinois · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Coles County, IL

The median household in Coles County, IL earns $56,478 a year ($4,707/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $965/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $38,600 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 0% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$56,478$4,707 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$965HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)100.0+0% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate19.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential IL
Census Population46,777Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Coles County, IL

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$965Monthly market rent
Share of gross income20.5%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$38,600To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,412At 30% of $56,478
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Coles County, IL

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Coles County, IL. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Coles County, IL
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$665$7,980$26,60014.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment$759$9,108$30,36016.1%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$965$11,580$38,60020.5%
3-Bedroom Home$1,261$15,132$50,44026.8%
4-Bedroom Home$1,348$16,176$53,92028.6%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Coles County, IL →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Coles County, IL

Based on the local median household income of $56,478/year ($4,707/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,353/moRent ($965 2-BR), utilities (~$179/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,412/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 100.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$941/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Illinois

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Illinois state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$56,478
$20,000$115,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$56,478
Net 80%
Fed 8%
IL 5%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$44,909After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,742Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,727Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate20.5%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$4,597 / yr
Illinois state income tax$2,651 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,321 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Illinois with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Coles County, IL

What is the median household income in Coles County, IL?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Coles County, IL is $56,478 per year (approximately $4,707 per month).

What is the average rent in Coles County, IL?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Coles County, IL are $665 for a studio, $759 for 1 bedroom, $965 for 2 bedrooms, $1,261 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,348 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Coles County, IL compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Coles County, IL is 100.0 (0% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Coles County, IL?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($965/month) in Coles County, IL requires a minimum gross household income of $38,600 per year ($3,217 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Coles County, IL?

For a typical household earning the median income of $56,478/year ($4,707/month) in Coles County, IL, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,353/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,412/month to discretionary spending, and $941/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Coles County, IL?

Residential electricity rates in Illinois average 19.9¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $179 per month.