City Report · IL

Oswego

Pop. 36,375·27th most expensive in Illinois·Rental market data updated monthly for Oswego, IL
Median rent (all units)
$2,415/mo
Year-over-Year
-1.9%
Month-over-Month
-3.4%
vs US Median
+$450
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Oswego · $2,415
More expensive than 77% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
71/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$2,415/mo
Expected by trend
$2,696/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Oswego's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,305
1 BR
$1,335
2 BR
$1,695
3 BR
$2,340
4 BR+
$2,475
Research median
$1,695/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
$28,980/yr
At $2,415/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 1.9% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-1.9% YoY, -3.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Oswego, IL is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 44.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
36,375
Median income
$123,792
Median age
38.7
Renters
12.1%
Age distribution
26.3%
18.9%
31.5%
12.3%
Under 1826.3%
18–3418.9%
35–5431.5%
55–6412.3%
65+11%
Gender
48.1%
51.9%
Male48.1%
Female51.9%
Race & ethnicity
64.8%
17.9%
White64.8%
Black10.4%
Hispanic17.9%
Asian4.6%
Other2.3%
Education (25+)
20.5%
31.6%
44.3%
No HS diploma3.6%
HS diploma20.5%
Some college31.6%
Bachelor's+44.3%
Housing tenure
87.9%
12.1%
Owner87.9%
Renter12.1%

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

2022 vs 2026

How Oswego, IL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,040 → $2,415
up 18.4%
Income
$106,790 → $123,792
up 15.9%
Population
34,324 → 36,375
up 6.0%
Renter share
12.6% → 12.1%
-0.5 pts
Bachelor's+
42.2% → 44.3%
+2.1 pts
Median age
39.3 → 38.7
-0.6 yrs

The median rent in Oswego, IL stood at $2,040 in 2022 and currently runs about $2,415, reflecting a 18.4% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Oswego, IL now reports about $123,792, up from $106,790 in 2021. The population has grown by 6.0% since 2021, moving from about 34,324 residents to roughly 36,375. College-educated residents now make up 44.3% of adults here, versus 42.2% in 2021. For context, the 2022 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Oswego, IL reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Oswego on your salary?

At $2,415/mo, how Oswego rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Oswego rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Oswego

About renting in Oswego, IL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Oswego is $2,415/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,305/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,695/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,335/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,340/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($123,792/yr), Oswego ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 1.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Oswego an affordable city for renters?

Oswego is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,415/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($123,792/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Oswego falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Oswego?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $97,000/year (~$47/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,415/mo in Oswego. The local median household income is $123,792/yr, meaning the typical Oswego household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Oswego?

Rent in Oswego has decreased 1.9% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Oswego neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Oswego are 60538 ($2,276/mo), and 60543 ($2,415/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Oswego is $2,415/mo.

How does Oswego rent compare to other cities in Illinois?

Oswego is one of the pricier cities in Illinois for rent, ranking #27 out of 142 tracked cities at $2,415/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Oswego?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Oswego ($2,415/mo): Batavia ($1,900/mo), North Aurora ($2,263/mo), Aurora ($2,287/mo).

What percentage of Oswego residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 12.1% of Oswego households are renters, while 87.9% are owner-occupied. Oswego leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Oswego rent compare to the national average?

Oswego's median rent of $2,415/mo is $450 (23%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Illinois, it ranks #27 out of 142 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,415/mo, rent takes ~23% of Oswego's median household income ($123,792/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Oswego 23%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.95%
Run the Oswego affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Oswego
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Oswego, IL

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