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City Report · IL

Decatur

Pop. 69,815·130th most expensive in Illinois·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,019/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.3%
Month-over-Month
+13.2%
vs US Median
-$946
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Decatur · $1,019
More affordable than 97% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
65/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 8% below what Decatur's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,019/mo
Expected by trend
$1,101/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Decatur's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$760
1 BR
$800
2 BR
$995
3 BR
$1,310
4 BR+
$1,550
Research median
$995/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
$12,228/yr
At $1,019/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 1.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.3% YoY, +13.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Decatur, IL is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 21.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
69,815
Median income
$51,592
Median age
39.2
Renters
37.1%
Age distribution
21%
23.6%
21.3%
12.8%
21.3%
Under 1821%
18–3423.6%
35–5421.3%
55–6412.8%
65+21.3%
Gender
47.3%
52.7%
Male47.3%
Female52.7%
Race & ethnicity
66.1%
23.3%
White66.1%
Black23.3%
Hispanic3.3%
Asian1.5%
Other5.8%
Education (25+)
40.3%
29.8%
21.6%
No HS diploma8.3%
HS diploma40.3%
Some college29.8%
Bachelor's+21.6%
Housing tenure
62.9%
37.1%
Owner62.9%
Renter37.1%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Decatur, IL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$793 → $1,019
up 28.5%
Income
$45,111 → $51,592
up 14.4%
Population
71,309 → 69,815
down 2.1%
Renter share
38.4% → 37.1%
-1.3 pts
Bachelor's+
21.1% → 21.6%
+0.5 pts
Median age
39.9 → 39.2
-0.7 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Decatur, IL has shifted from $793 to $1,019, up 28.5% since 2023. Household income in the area moved from $45,111 to $51,592 across the same window, up 14.4% versus 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Decatur, IL losing about 1,494 residents over the five-year window, down 2.1% on net. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Decatur, IL look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Decatur on your salary?

At $1,019/mo, how Decatur rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Decatur rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Decatur

About renting in Decatur, IL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Decatur is $1,019/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $760/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $995/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $800/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,310/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($51,592/yr), Decatur ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Decatur an affordable city for renters?

Decatur is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,019/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($51,592/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Decatur falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Decatur?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $41,000/year (~$20/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,019/mo in Decatur. The local median household income is $51,592/yr, meaning the typical Decatur household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Decatur?

Rent in Decatur has increased 1.3% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Decatur neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Decatur are 62522 ($838/mo), and 62526 ($907/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Decatur is $1,019/mo.

How does Decatur rent compare to other cities in Illinois?

Decatur is one of the more affordable cities in Illinois for rent, ranking #130 out of 142 tracked cities at $1,019/mo.

What percentage of Decatur residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 37.1% of Decatur households are renters, while 62.9% are owner-occupied. Decatur leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Decatur rent compare to the national average?

Decatur's median rent of $1,019/mo is $946 (48%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Illinois, it ranks #130 out of 142 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,019/mo, rent takes ~24% of Decatur's median household income ($51,592/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Decatur 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.95%
Run the Decatur affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Decatur
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Decatur, IL

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