Rent in DeKalb County, IL at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,373$16,476 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,481 (+7.9%)How much rent can you afford in DeKalb County, IL?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in DeKalb County, IL by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $947 | $11,364 | $37,880 | $18.21/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,046 | $12,552 | $41,840 | $20.12/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,373 | $16,476 | $54,920 | $26.40/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,825 | $21,900 | $73,000 | $35.10/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,203 | $26,436 | $88,120 | $42.37/hr |
Cost of living in DeKalb County, IL: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in DeKalb County, IL
Rent in DeKalb County, IL: common questions
How much is rent going up in DeKalb County, IL in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,481 for a two-bedroom, up 7.9% from $1,373. A one-bedroom goes from $1,046 to $1,155, a studio from $947 to $1,052.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in DeKalb County, IL?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,046 for a one-bedroom and $1,373 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $16,476 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in DeKalb County, IL?
To keep a $1,373 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $26.40 an hour, or $54,920 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,046 takes $20.12 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in DeKalb County, IL?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $947, one bedroom $1,046, two $1,373, three $1,825 and four $2,203 a month.
Is rent affordable in DeKalb County, IL?
For the typical household, earning $70,724 a year ($5,894 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,373 takes 23.3% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,373 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $54,920. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $26.40 an hour.