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City Report · IL

Dekalb

Pop. 40,443·111th most expensive in Illinois·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,371/mo
Year-over-Year
+0.4%
Month-over-Month
+9.3%
vs US Median
-$594
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Dekalb · $1,371
More affordable than 84% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
51/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Dekalb's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,371/mo
Expected by trend
$1,375/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Dekalb's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$900
1 BR
$1,000
2 BR
$1,310
3 BR
$1,780
4 BR+
$2,200
Research median
$1,310/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
$16,452/yr
At $1,371/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 0.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.4% YoY, +9.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Dekalb, IL is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 33.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
40,443
Median income
$46,481
Median age
26.1
Renters
57.9%
Age distribution
18.8%
43.6%
18.8%
Under 1818.8%
18–3443.6%
35–5418.8%
55–647.8%
65+11.1%
Gender
49.1%
50.9%
Male49.1%
Female50.9%
Race & ethnicity
60.5%
14.1%
19.9%
White60.5%
Black14.1%
Hispanic19.9%
Asian4.1%
Other1.3%
Education (25+)
24.7%
29.7%
33.7%
No HS diploma11.9%
HS diploma24.7%
Some college29.7%
Bachelor's+33.7%
Housing tenure
42.1%
57.9%
Owner42.1%
Renter57.9%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Dekalb, IL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,014 → $1,371
up 35.2%
Income
$45,591 → $46,481
up 2.0%
Population
41,083 → 40,443
down 1.6%
Renter share
60.1% → 57.9%
-2.2 pts
Bachelor's+
35.6% → 33.7%
-1.9 pts
Median age
25.1 → 26.1
+1.0 yrs

Since 2023, the typical rent in Dekalb, IL has climbed from $1,014 to $1,371, a 35.2% change over five years. Household income in the area moved from $45,591 to $46,481 across the same window, up 2.0% versus 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 1.6% since 2021, moving from about 41,083 residents to roughly 40,443. Renters now make up 57.9% of households, compared with 60.1% five years ago. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Dekalb, IL look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

Discussions about Dekalb

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

Can you afford rent in Dekalb on your salary?

At $1,371/mo, how Dekalb rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Dekalb rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Dekalb

About renting in Dekalb, IL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Dekalb is $1,371/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $900/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,310/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,000/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,780/mo.

At 35% of local median household income ($46,481/yr), Dekalb ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Dekalb an affordable city for renters?

Dekalb is considered moderate for renters. At $1,371/mo, rent takes approximately 35% of the local median household income ($46,481/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Dekalb slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Dekalb?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $55,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,371/mo in Dekalb. The local median household income is $46,481/yr, meaning the typical Dekalb household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Dekalb?

Rent in Dekalb has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.4% change year over year as of July 2026.

How does Dekalb rent compare to other cities in Illinois?

Dekalb is one of the more affordable cities in Illinois for rent, ranking #111 out of 142 tracked cities at $1,371/mo.

What percentage of Dekalb residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 57.9% of Dekalb households are renters, while 42.1% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Dekalb has a strong rental market.

How does Dekalb rent compare to the national average?

Dekalb's median rent of $1,371/mo is $594 (30%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Illinois, it ranks #111 out of 142 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
35%
MODERATE

At $1,371/mo, rent takes ~35% of Dekalb's median household income ($46,481/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Dekalb 35%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.95%
Run the Dekalb affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Dekalb
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Dekalb, IL

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