Indiana · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in DeKalb County, IN

The median household in DeKalb County, IN earns $74,331 a year ($6,194/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $960/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $38,400 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 6.7% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$74,331$6,194 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$960HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)93.3-6.7% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate17.5¢per kWh · EIA Residential IN
Census Population43,807Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in DeKalb County, IN

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$960Monthly market rent
Share of gross income15.5%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$38,400To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,858At 30% of $74,331
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: DeKalb County, IN

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for DeKalb County, IN. 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 DeKalb County, IN
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$688$8,256$27,52011.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment$732$8,784$29,28011.8%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$960$11,520$38,40015.5%
3-Bedroom Home$1,195$14,340$47,80019.3%
4-Bedroom Home$1,271$15,252$50,84020.5%

See dedicated rental breakdown for DeKalb County, IN →

50/30/20 Living Budget in DeKalb County, IN

Based on the local median household income of $74,331/year ($6,194/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,097/moRent ($960 2-BR), utilities (~$158/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,858/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 93.3 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,239/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Indiana

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

$74,331
$25,000$150,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$74,331
Net 79%
Fed 10%
IN 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$58,959After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,913Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,268Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate20.7%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$7,523 / yr
Indiana state income tax$2,163 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,686 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in DeKalb County, IN

What is the median household income in DeKalb County, IN?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in DeKalb County, IN is $74,331 per year (approximately $6,194 per month).

What is the average rent in DeKalb County, IN?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in DeKalb County, IN are $688 for a studio, $732 for 1 bedroom, $960 for 2 bedrooms, $1,195 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,271 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in DeKalb County, IN compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in DeKalb County, IN is 93.3 (6.7% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in DeKalb County, IN?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($960/month) in DeKalb County, IN requires a minimum gross household income of $38,400 per year ($3,200 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in DeKalb County, IN?

For a typical household earning the median income of $74,331/year ($6,194/month) in DeKalb County, IN, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,097/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,858/month to discretionary spending, and $1,239/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in DeKalb County, IN?

Residential electricity rates in Indiana average 17.5¢ 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 $158 per month.