City Report · IL

Springfield

Pop. 113,330·123rd most expensive in Illinois·Springfield rents are up 6.4% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,176/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.4%
Month-over-Month
-0.3%
vs US Median
-$789
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Springfield · $1,176
More affordable than 93% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
46/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$1,176/mo
Expected by trend
$1,154/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Springfield's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$750
1 BR
$890
2 BR
$1,095
3 BR
$1,480
4 BR+
$1,515
Research median
$1,095/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
$14,112/yr
At $1,176/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (6.4% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.4% YoY, -0.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Springfield, IL is majority owner-occupied, 36.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
113,330
Median income
$66,064
Median age
41
Renters
35.7%
Age distribution
20.8%
21.7%
24.4%
13.3%
19.9%
Under 1820.8%
18–3421.7%
35–5424.4%
55–6413.3%
65+19.9%
Gender
48.3%
51.7%
Male48.3%
Female51.7%
Race & ethnicity
70.1%
19.3%
White70.1%
Black19.3%
Hispanic3.4%
Asian3.1%
Other4.1%
Education (25+)
27.9%
29.2%
36.3%
No HS diploma6.7%
HS diploma27.9%
Some college29.2%
Bachelor's+36.3%
Housing tenure
64.3%
35.7%
Owner64.3%
Renter35.7%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Springfield, IL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$806 → $1,176
up 45.9%
Income
$57,596 → $66,064
up 14.7%
Population
114,672 → 113,330
down 1.2%
Renter share
37.8% → 35.7%
-2.1 pts
Bachelor's+
34.4% → 36.3%
+1.9 pts
Median age
39.7 → 41
+1.3 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Springfield, IL paid around $806 a month. That figure now sits near $1,176, up 45.9% from the 2021 baseline. Census figures show median household income at $66,064 today, compared with $57,596 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Springfield, IL losing about 1,342 residents over the five-year window, down 1.2% on net. The renter share has eased from 37.8% to 35.7%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Springfield on your salary?

At $1,176/mo, how Springfield rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Springfield rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Springfield

About renting in Springfield, IL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Springfield is $1,176/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $750/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,095/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $890/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,480/mo.

At 21% of local median household income ($66,064/yr), Springfield ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Springfield an affordable city for renters?

Springfield is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,176/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the local median household income ($66,064/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Springfield falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Springfield?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $47,000/year (~$23/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,176/mo in Springfield. The local median household income is $66,064/yr, meaning the typical Springfield household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Springfield?

Rent in Springfield has increased 6.4% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Springfield neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Springfield are 62702 ($1,100/mo), and 62703 ($1,144/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Springfield is $1,176/mo.

How does Springfield rent compare to other cities in Illinois?

Springfield is one of the more affordable cities in Illinois for rent, ranking #123 out of 142 tracked cities at $1,176/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Springfield?

Decatur is nearby and more affordable at $1,019/mo, which is $157 less than Springfield.

What percentage of Springfield residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 35.7% of Springfield households are renters, while 64.3% are owner-occupied. Springfield leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Springfield rent compare to the national average?

Springfield's median rent of $1,176/mo is $789 (40%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Illinois, it ranks #123 out of 142 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,176/mo, rent takes ~21% of Springfield's median household income ($66,064/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Springfield 21%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.95%
Run the Springfield affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Springfield
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Springfield, IL

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