Special Interest
Housing in Cook County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Cook County averages $886/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Minnesota median of $1,280 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 19% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Cook County FMR Area are $731 for a studio, $967 for 1‑bedroom, $1,060 for 2‑bedroom, $1,403 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,541 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $174 increase for a 2-bedroom in Cook County shows a 20% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Cook County was 4.0% in 2024, compared to Minnesota at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
