Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Jacksonville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Jacksonville, you need to earn at least $32,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $55,944, which means the typical resident is $23,784 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 17,639

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$563	$1,877	$22,520	$-33,424
1 Bedroom	$667	$2,223	$26,680	$-29,264
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$804	$2,680	$32,160	$-23,784
3 Bedroom	$981	$3,270	$39,240	$-16,704
4 Bedroom	$1,206	$4,020	$48,240	$-7,704

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$55,944

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$32,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$23,784

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Jacksonville

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Jacksonville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,399

Studio

$563/mo

1 BR

$667/mo

2 BR

$804/mo

3 BR

$981/mo

4 BR

$1,206/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Jacksonville.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Illinois stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $55,944 significantly exceeds the $32,160 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $23,784 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Jacksonville, a studio at $563/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $981/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $39,240.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $48,240 would position you well — though many residents in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, Illinois.

With a total population of 17,639, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 7,348 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $32,160 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

7,348

Active civilian employees in Jacksonville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Jacksonville

What salary do I need to live in Jacksonville, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Jacksonville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $32,160. The median household income in Jacksonville is $55,944.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Jacksonville on $55,944?

The affordability verdict for Jacksonville is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.2%, meaning median earners have a $23,784 surplus.

What is the average rent in Jacksonville compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Jacksonville is $667/month. With a median household income of $55,944, residents spend approximately 17.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Jacksonville?

A studio in Jacksonville rents for approximately $563/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,520 to afford this.

Is Jacksonville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $23,784 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Jacksonville is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $32,160 to the local median household income.

How Jacksonville Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements