Special Interest
Housing in Champaign County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Champaign County averages $1,051/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 38% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Champaign County FMR Area are $1,017 for a studio, $1,023 for 1‑bedroom, $1,213 for 2‑bedroom, $1,553 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,606 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $162 increase for a 2-bedroom in Champaign County shows a 15% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Champaign County was 4.2% in 2024, compared to Illinois at 5.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
