Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$75,590$6,299 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Putnam County, IL
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Putnam County, IL
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Putnam County, IL. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $646 | $7,752 | $25,840 | 10.3% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $851 | $10,212 | $34,040 | 13.5% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $937 | $11,244 | $37,480 | 14.9% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,212 | $14,544 | $48,480 | 19.2% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,553 | $18,636 | $62,120 | 24.7% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Putnam County, IL
Based on the local median household income of $75,590/year ($6,299/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
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.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Illinois with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Putnam County, IL
What is the median household income in Putnam County, IL?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Putnam County, IL is $75,590 per year (approximately $6,299 per month).
What is the average rent in Putnam County, IL?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Putnam County, IL are $646 for a studio, $851 for 1 bedroom, $937 for 2 bedrooms, $1,212 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,553 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Putnam County, IL compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Putnam 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 Putnam County, IL?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($937/month) in Putnam County, IL requires a minimum gross household income of $37,480 per year ($3,123 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Putnam County, IL?
For a typical household earning the median income of $75,590/year ($6,299/month) in Putnam County, IL, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,150/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,890/month to discretionary spending, and $1,260/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Putnam 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.