Special Interest
Housing in Stark County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Stark County averages $735/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 Stark County FMR Area are $807 for a studio, $871 for 1‑bedroom, $1,107 for 2‑bedroom, $1,434 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,544 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $372 increase for a 2-bedroom in Stark County shows a 51% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Stark County was 5.2% in 2024, compared to Illinois at 5.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
