Illinois · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Lawrence County, IL

The median household in Lawrence County, IL earns $55,324 a year ($4,610/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $946/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $37,840 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 0% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$55,324$4,610 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$946HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)100.0+0% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate19.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential IL
Census Population15,031Official resident count

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

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$946Monthly market rent
Share of gross income20.5%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$37,840To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,383At 30% of $55,324
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Lawrence County, IL

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Lawrence 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 Lawrence County, IL
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$652$7,824$26,08014.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment$721$8,652$28,84015.6%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$946$11,352$37,84020.5%
3-Bedroom Home$1,136$13,632$45,44024.6%
4-Bedroom Home$1,253$15,036$50,12027.2%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Lawrence County, IL →

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

Based on the local median household income of $55,324/year ($4,610/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,305/moRent ($946 2-BR), utilities (~$179/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,383/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 100.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$922/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.

$55,324
$20,000$115,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$55,324
Net 80%
Fed 8%
IL 5%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$44,039After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,670Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,694Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate20.4%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$4,459 / yr
Illinois state income tax$2,594 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,232 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Lawrence County, IL

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

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Lawrence County, IL is $55,324 per year (approximately $4,610 per month).

What is the average rent in Lawrence County, IL?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Lawrence County, IL are $652 for a studio, $721 for 1 bedroom, $946 for 2 bedrooms, $1,136 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,253 for 4 bedrooms.

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

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

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($946/month) in Lawrence County, IL requires a minimum gross household income of $37,840 per year ($3,153 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $55,324/year ($4,610/month) in Lawrence County, IL, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,305/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,383/month to discretionary spending, and $922/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Lawrence 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.