Illinois · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Hamilton County, IL

The median household in Hamilton County, IL earns $65,746 a year ($5,479/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $916/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $36,640 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 0% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$65,746$5,479 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$916HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)100.0+0% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate19.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential IL
Census Population7,916Official resident count

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

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$916Monthly market rent
Share of gross income16.7%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$36,640To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,644At 30% of $65,746
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Hamilton County, IL

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Hamilton 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 Hamilton County, IL
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$632$7,584$25,28011.5%
1-Bedroom Apartment$727$8,724$29,08013.3%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$916$10,992$36,64016.7%
3-Bedroom Home$1,274$15,288$50,96023.3%
4-Bedroom Home$1,308$15,696$52,32023.9%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Hamilton County, IL →

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

Based on the local median household income of $65,746/year ($5,479/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,739/moRent ($916 2-BR), utilities (~$179/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,644/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 100.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,096/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.

$65,746
$25,000$135,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$65,746
Net 79%
Fed 9%
IL 5%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$51,897After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,325Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,996Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate21.1%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,710 / yr
Illinois state income tax$3,110 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,030 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Hamilton County, IL

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

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Hamilton County, IL is $65,746 per year (approximately $5,479 per month).

What is the average rent in Hamilton County, IL?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Hamilton County, IL are $632 for a studio, $727 for 1 bedroom, $916 for 2 bedrooms, $1,274 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,308 for 4 bedrooms.

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

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Hamilton 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 Hamilton County, IL?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($916/month) in Hamilton County, IL requires a minimum gross household income of $36,640 per year ($3,053 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $65,746/year ($5,479/month) in Hamilton County, IL, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,739/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,644/month to discretionary spending, and $1,096/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Hamilton 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.