Special Interest
Housing in Calhoun County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Calhoun County averages $583/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 13% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Calhoun County FMR Area are $1,036 for a studio, $1,079 for 1‑bedroom, $1,321 for 2‑bedroom, $1,700 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,965 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $738 increase for a 2-bedroom in Calhoun County shows a 127% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Calhoun County was 4.6% in 2024, compared to Illinois at 5.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
