Special Interest
Housing in Pope County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Pope County averages $449/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Illinois median of $1,274 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 21% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Pope County FMR Area are $769 for a studio, $851 for 1‑bedroom, $1,116 for 2‑bedroom, $1,412 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,594 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $667 increase for a 2-bedroom in Pope County shows a 149% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Pope County was 5.4% in 2024, compared to Illinois at 5.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
