Special Interest
Housing in Franklin County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Franklin County averages $803/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 34% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Franklin County FMR Area are $663 for a studio, $732 for 1‑bedroom, $961 for 2‑bedroom, $1,239 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,394 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $158 increase for a 2-bedroom in Franklin County shows a 20% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Franklin County was 5.3% in 2024, compared to Illinois at 5.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
