Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Downers Grove?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Downers Grove, you need to earn at least $73,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $115,461, which means the typical resident is $41,501 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 49,996

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,294	$4,313	$51,760	$-63,701
1 Bedroom	$1,535	$5,117	$61,400	$-54,061
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,849	$6,163	$73,960	$-41,501
3 Bedroom	$2,256	$7,520	$90,240	$-25,221
4 Bedroom	$2,774	$9,247	$110,960	$-4,501

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Downers Grove's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$115,461

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$73,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$41,501

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Downers Grove

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Downers Grove's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,887

Studio

$1,294/mo

1 BR

$1,535/mo

2 BR

$1,849/mo

3 BR

$2,256/mo

4 BR

$2,774/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Downers Grove.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Downers Grove's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Downers Grove

Downers Grove, Illinois stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $115,461 significantly exceeds the $73,960 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $41,501 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Downers Grove, a studio at $1,294/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,256/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $90,240.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $110,940 would position you well — though many residents in Downers Grove manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Downers Grove, Illinois.

With a total population of 49,996, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 25,889 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $73,960 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

25,889

Active civilian employees in Downers Grove

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Downers Grove

What salary do I need to live in Downers Grove, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Downers Grove under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $73,960. The median household income in Downers Grove is $115,461.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Downers Grove on $115,461?

The affordability verdict for Downers Grove is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.2%, meaning median earners have a $41,501 surplus.

What is the average rent in Downers Grove compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Downers Grove is $1,535/month. With a median household income of $115,461, residents spend approximately 19.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Downers Grove?

A studio in Downers Grove rents for approximately $1,294/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $51,760 to afford this.

Is Downers Grove considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $41,501 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Downers Grove is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $73,960 to the local median household income.

How Downers Grove Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements