Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$64,043$5,337 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Stephenson County, IL
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Stephenson County, IL
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Stephenson 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 | $694 | $8,328 | $27,760 | 13% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $698 | $8,376 | $27,920 | 13.1% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $916 | $10,992 | $36,640 | 17.2% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,124 | $13,488 | $44,960 | 21.1% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,342 | $16,104 | $53,680 | 25.1% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Stephenson County, IL
Based on the local median household income of $64,043/year ($5,337/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 Stephenson County, IL
What is the median household income in Stephenson County, IL?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Stephenson County, IL is $64,043 per year (approximately $5,337 per month).
What is the average rent in Stephenson County, IL?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Stephenson County, IL are $694 for a studio, $698 for 1 bedroom, $916 for 2 bedrooms, $1,124 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,342 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Stephenson County, IL compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Stephenson 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 Stephenson County, IL?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($916/month) in Stephenson 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 Stephenson County, IL?
For a typical household earning the median income of $64,043/year ($5,337/month) in Stephenson County, IL, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,668/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,601/month to discretionary spending, and $1,067/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Stephenson 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.