Illinois Housing Affordability
What it takes to afford a home in Illinois, using Zillow Research home values and Census income data. Illinois ranks 8 of 51 states for estimated median-home affordability, with typical values about 16% below the cross-state median.
Illinois affordability summary
At a typical home value of $298,871 against Census ACS median household income of $81,702, Illinois scores 37/100 (stretched) for estimated buying affordability. A starter home runs about $155,806 (income needed ~$50,400); a 3-bedroom family home about $307,621 (income needed ~$99,514).
Sources — Home values & rent: Zillow Research, 2026-06 · Income: U.S. Census ACS. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Affordability by home type in Illinois
How the same income picture shifts across Zillow price tiers:
| Home type | Est. value | Est. payment | Income needed | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (bottom tier) | $155,806 | $1,176 | $50,400 | 100 |
| Median (mid tier) | $298,871 | $2,256 | $96,686 | 37 |
| Family home (3BR) | $307,621 | $2,322 | $99,514 | 35 |
Cities in Illinois
Major Illinois cities ranked by estimated buying-affordability score, using Zillow city home values and Census city income.
| # | City | Home value | Est. payment | Income needed | Rent burden | Score |
|---|
What different incomes can afford in Illinois
Estimated largest home price affordable at each income (10% down, 6.70% rate), compared with the $298,871 typical home:
| Household income | Est. max home price | Typical home in reach? |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $154,542 | Stretch |
| $75,000 | $231,814 | Stretch |
| $100,000 | $309,085 | Likely |
| $150,000 | $463,627 | Likely |
Customize this scenario
Want to adjust down payment, taxes, PMI, insurance, or HOA? Open this scenario in the Home Payment Atlas mortgage calculator for full, personalized payment math.
How Illinois compares nationally
- Affordability rank: 8 of 51 states (stretched — score 37/100)
- Typical home value is 16% below the cross-state median ($356,887)
- Median household income: $81,702 (Census ACS)
- Estimated rent burden: 2800% of median income goes to median rent — above the 30% cost-burdened threshold
- Starter home income needed: $50,400 vs. family home: $99,514
Nearby & related states
Frequently asked questions
What income do you need to buy a home in Illinois?
With a typical (mid-tier) Illinois home around $298,871, the estimated payment is about $2,256/month, which generally calls for a household income near $96,686 (keeping housing close to 28% of gross income). A starter home (~$155,806) lowers that to roughly $50,400. Your real figure depends on down payment, rate, and local taxes — model it on Home Payment Atlas.
Is Illinois affordable compared with other states?
Illinois ranks 8 of 51 for estimated median-home buying affordability (score 37/100, stretched), with home values about 16% below the cross-state median. Compare it on the most affordable states ranking.
What does the affordability score mean for Illinois?
The score (37/100) compares the estimated income needed to afford a typical Illinois home with the area median household income. A score above 50 means the median income roughly covers the payment; below 50 means the typical household would need to stretch. Illinois's score of 37 puts it in the "Stretched" category — meaning a median-income household would need to spend significantly more than the conventional 28% guideline.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Illinois?
Estimated monthly ownership costs (~$2,256) run about $322 more than the estimated median rent ($1,934), so buyers take on a higher monthly obligation in exchange for building equity. This comparison is directional — actual costs depend on your specific down payment, loan terms, property taxes, insurance, and HOA. Run the full math on Home Payment Atlas.
Where do these Illinois numbers come from?
Home values are Zillow Research ZHVI (2026-06); rent is the Zillow ZORI index; income is U.S. Census ACS median household income. They are estimates for comparison, not appraisals. Customize the mortgage math on the Illinois page on Home Payment Atlas.
About these estimates & data sources
Home values and rents reflect Zillow Research data (ZHVI and ZORI, 2026-06). Household income reflects U.S. Census ACS data. All figures are estimates for general comparison, not appraisals or quotes — confirm details before relying on them.
Home values and rent: Zillow Research (ZHVI, ZORI), 2026-06. Geography and FIPS codes: U.S. Census Bureau (Cartographic Boundary Files). Household income: U.S. Census ACS. Detailed payment math: Home Payment Atlas. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Figures are educational estimates only and are not financial, legal, tax, mortgage, or real-estate advice, and not a loan offer. Verify every number with lenders, agents, tax authorities, and official sources. See our methodology and terms & disclaimer.