Illinois · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Pulaski County, IL

The median household in Pulaski County, IL earns $42,463 a year ($3,539/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

$42,463$3,539 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 Population5,015Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Pulaski 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 income25.9%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$36,640To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,062At 30% of $42,463
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Pulaski County, IL

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, IL
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$632$7,584$25,28017.9%
1-Bedroom Apartment$836$10,032$33,44023.6%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$916$10,992$36,64025.9%
3-Bedroom Home$1,274$15,288$50,96036%
4-Bedroom Home$1,537$18,444$61,48043.4%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Pulaski County, IL →

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

Based on the local median household income of $42,463/year ($3,539/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,769/moRent ($916 2-BR), utilities (~$179/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,062/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 100.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$708/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.

$42,463
$15,000$85,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$42,463
Net 81%
Fed 7%
IL 5%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$34,342After all taxes
Monthly deposit$2,862Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,321Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.1%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$2,916 / yr
Illinois state income tax$1,957 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,248 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Pulaski County, IL

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

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Pulaski County, IL is $42,463 per year (approximately $3,539 per month).

What is the average rent in Pulaski County, IL?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Pulaski County, IL are $632 for a studio, $836 for 1 bedroom, $916 for 2 bedrooms, $1,274 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,537 for 4 bedrooms.

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

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

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($916/month) in Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, IL?

For a typical household earning the median income of $42,463/year ($3,539/month) in Pulaski County, IL, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,769/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,062/month to discretionary spending, and $708/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Pulaski 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.