Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Des Plaines, IL?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38% of gross income.
Des Plaines rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Illinois state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Illinois cities have lower median rent than Des Plaines, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Des Plaines
View full rent data for Des Plaines, IL →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Des Plaines, IL?
Median rent in Des Plaines is $2,031 a month. A typical firefighter in Illinois earns about $64,066 a year, which makes that rent 38% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Des Plaines?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Illinois (~$64,066/yr) supports up to $1,602 a month in rent. Des Plaines's current median rent is $2,031/mo, which is $429/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Des Plaines?
At an hourly equivalent of about $31 an hour, a firefighter in Illinois works roughly 65.9 hours a month to cover Des Plaines's median rent of $2,031.
Where is rent cheaper than Des Plaines for a firefighter?
Nearby Illinois cities with lower median rent include Lockport ($2,029/mo), Orland Park ($2,027/mo), Oak Park ($2,027/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.