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City Report · IL

Darien

Pop. 21,879·52nd most expensive in Illinois·Rental market data updated monthly for Darien, IL
Median rent (all units)
$2,158/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.6%
Month-over-Month
-6.0%
vs US Median
+$193
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Darien · $2,158
More expensive than 67% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
23% of income
VERY AFFORDABLE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,158/mo, rent takes about 23% of the local median household income, comfortably within the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$86,000/yr
Local median income
$111,215/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Darien's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,830
1 BR
$1,960
2 BR
$2,210
3 BR
$2,840
4 BR+
$3,330
Research median
$2,210/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$25,896/yr
At $2,158/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 2.6% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.6% YoY, -6.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Darien, IL is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 52.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
21,879
Median income
$111,215
Median age
44.4
Renters
21.2%
Age distribution
18.8%
18.9%
24.3%
13.6%
24.3%
Under 1818.8%
18–3418.9%
35–5424.3%
55–6413.6%
65+24.3%
Gender
49%
51%
Male49%
Female51%
Race & ethnicity
75.1%
12.1%
White75.1%
Black2.9%
Hispanic9.3%
Asian12.1%
Other0.6%
Education (25+)
17.8%
24.9%
52.4%
No HS diploma4.9%
HS diploma17.8%
Some college24.9%
Bachelor's+52.4%
Housing tenure
78.8%
21.2%
Owner78.8%
Renter21.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Darien, IL has changed in 5 years

Income
$104,226 → $111,215
up 6.7%
Population
22,087 → 21,879
down 0.9%
Renter share
19.4% → 21.2%
+1.8 pts
Bachelor's+
53.3% → 52.4%
-0.9 pts

Census figures show median household income at $111,215 today, compared with $104,226 five years earlier. About 21.2% of households rent today, against 19.4% in 2021.

Community

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View Darien rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Darien on your salary?

At $2,158/mo, how Darien rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Darien rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Darien. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Darien

About renting in Darien, IL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Darien is $2,158/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,830/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,210/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,960/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,840/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($111,215/yr), Darien ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Darien an affordable city for renters?

Darien is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,158/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($111,215/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Darien falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Darien?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $86,000/year (~$41/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,158/mo in Darien. The local median household income is $111,215/yr, meaning the typical Darien household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Darien?

Rent in Darien has increased 2.6% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Darien rent compare to other cities in Illinois?

Darien is middle-of-the-pack for Illinois for rent, ranking #52 out of 142 tracked cities at $2,158/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Darien?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Darien ($2,158/mo): Woodridge ($1,718/mo), Westmont ($1,928/mo), Lisle ($1,939/mo).

What percentage of Darien residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 21.2% of Darien households are renters, while 78.8% are owner-occupied. Darien leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Darien rent compare to the national average?

Darien's median rent of $2,158/mo is $193 (10%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Illinois, it ranks #52 out of 142 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,158/mo, rent takes ~23% of Darien's median household income ($111,215/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Darien 23%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.95%
Run the Darien affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Darien, IL

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