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City Report · IL

Elmhurst

Pop. 45,671·22nd most expensive in Illinois·Elmhurst rents are up 10.5% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,449/mo
Year-over-Year
+10.5%
Month-over-Month
+3.8%
vs US Median
+$484
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Elmhurst · $2,449
More expensive than 78% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
50/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$2,449/mo
Expected by trend
$2,452/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Elmhurst's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,910
1 BR
$2,050
2 BR
$2,310
3 BR
$2,970
4 BR+
$3,490
Research median
$2,310/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
$29,388/yr
At $2,449/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 10.5% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+10.5% YoY, +3.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Elmhurst, IL is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 64.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
45,671
Median income
$149,644
Median age
42
Renters
20.1%
Age distribution
24.2%
16.7%
26.8%
13.3%
19%
Under 1824.2%
18–3416.7%
35–5426.8%
55–6413.3%
65+19%
Gender
49.2%
50.8%
Male49.2%
Female50.8%
Race & ethnicity
77.7%
White77.7%
Black1.9%
Hispanic10.4%
Asian7.8%
Other2.2%
Education (25+)
12.2%
19.7%
64.2%
No HS diploma3.9%
HS diploma12.2%
Some college19.7%
Bachelor's+64.2%
Housing tenure
79.9%
20.1%
Owner79.9%
Renter20.1%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Elmhurst, IL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,740 → $2,449
up 40.7%
Income
$128,355 → $149,644
up 16.6%
Population
45,661 → 45,671
up 0.0%
Renter share
19.2% → 20.1%
+0.9 pts
Bachelor's+
62.1% → 64.2%
+2.1 pts
Median age
40.6 → 42
+1.4 yrs

The median rent in Elmhurst, IL stood at $1,740 in 2021 and currently runs about $2,449, reflecting a 40.7% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Elmhurst, IL now reports about $149,644, up from $128,355 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 64.2% of adults here, versus 62.1% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Elmhurst, IL reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Elmhurst on your salary?

At $2,449/mo, how Elmhurst rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Elmhurst rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Elmhurst

About renting in Elmhurst, IL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Elmhurst is $2,449/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,910/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,310/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,050/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,970/mo.

At 20% of local median household income ($149,644/yr), Elmhurst ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 10.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Elmhurst an affordable city for renters?

Elmhurst is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,449/mo, rent takes approximately 20% of the local median household income ($149,644/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Elmhurst falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Elmhurst?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $98,000/year (~$47/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,449/mo in Elmhurst. The local median household income is $149,644/yr, meaning the typical Elmhurst household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Elmhurst?

Rent in Elmhurst has increased 10.5% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Elmhurst rent compare to other cities in Illinois?

Elmhurst is one of the pricier cities in Illinois for rent, ranking #22 out of 142 tracked cities at $2,449/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Elmhurst?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Elmhurst ($2,449/mo): Franklin Park ($1,700/mo), La Grange Park ($1,751/mo), Addison ($1,853/mo).

What percentage of Elmhurst residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 20.1% of Elmhurst households are renters, while 79.9% are owner-occupied. Elmhurst leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Elmhurst rent compare to the national average?

Elmhurst's median rent of $2,449/mo is $484 (25%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Illinois, it ranks #22 out of 142 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
20%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,449/mo, rent takes ~20% of Elmhurst's median household income ($149,644/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Elmhurst 20%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.95%
Run the Elmhurst affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Elmhurst
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Elmhurst, IL

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