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City Report · IL

Dolton

Pop. 20,825·34th most expensive in Illinois·Rental market data updated monthly for Dolton, IL
Median rent (all units)
$2,287/mo
Year-over-Year
+3.3%
Month-over-Month
-2.1%
vs US Median
+$325
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Dolton · $2,287
More expensive than 72% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
47% of income
STRETCHED
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,287/mo, rent takes about 47% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$91,000/yr
Local median income
$57,887/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Dolton's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,600
1 BR
$1,710
2 BR
$1,930
3 BR
$2,480
4 BR+
$2,910
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,930/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,287 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$27,444/yr
At $2,287/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+3.3% YoY, -2.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Dolton, IL is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 22.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
20,825
Median income
$57,887
Median age
40.3
Renters
27.4%
Age distribution
24.6%
20%
22.9%
13.7%
18.9%
Under 1824.6%
18–3420%
35–5422.9%
55–6413.7%
65+18.9%
Gender
49.1%
50.9%
Male49.1%
Female50.9%
Race & ethnicity
90.1%
White5.6%
Black90.1%
Hispanic1.9%
Other2.2%
Education (25+)
32.1%
39%
22.7%
No HS diploma6.1%
HS diploma32.1%
Some college39%
Bachelor's+22.7%
Housing tenure
72.6%
27.4%
Owner72.6%
Renter27.4%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Dolton, IL has changed in 5 years

Income
$53,047 → $57,887
up 9.1%
Population
21,588 → 20,825
down 3.5%
Renter share
29.5% → 27.4%
-2.1 pts
Bachelor's+
20.3% → 22.7%
+2.4 pts
Median age
37.5 → 40.3
+2.8 yrs

Census figures show median household income at $57,887 today, compared with $53,047 five years earlier. Headcount in the area went from 21,588 to 20,825 between 2021 and 2024, a 3.5% change. About 27.4% of households rent today, against 29.5% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 20.3% to 22.7%.

Community

Discussions about Dolton

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

Can you afford rent in Dolton on your salary?

At $2,287/mo, how Dolton rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Dolton rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Dolton

About renting in Dolton, IL

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Dolton is $2,287/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,600/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,930/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,710/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,480/mo.

At 47% of local median household income ($57,887/yr), Dolton ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Dolton an affordable city for renters?

Dolton is considered stretched for renters. At $2,287/mo, rent takes approximately 47% of the local median household income ($57,887/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Dolton significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Dolton?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $91,000/year (~$44/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,287/mo in Dolton. The local median household income is $57,887/yr, meaning the typical Dolton household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Dolton?

Rent in Dolton has increased 3.3% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Dolton rent compare to other cities in Illinois?

Dolton is one of the pricier cities in Illinois for rent, ranking #34 out of 142 tracked cities at $2,287/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Dolton?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Dolton ($2,287/mo): Riverdale ($1,223/mo), Blue Island ($1,336/mo), Calumet City ($1,577/mo).

What percentage of Dolton residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 27.4% of Dolton households are renters, while 72.6% are owner-occupied. Dolton leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Dolton rent compare to the national average?

Dolton's median rent of $2,287/mo is $325 (17%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Illinois, it ranks #34 out of 142 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
47%
STRETCHED

At $2,287/mo, rent takes ~47% of Dolton's median household income ($57,887/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Dolton 47%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.95%
Run the Dolton affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Dolton, IL

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