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This is how much money you need to make per hour to afford rent in Illinois

By FOX 32 Digital Staff
Published  August 4, 2022 3:48pm CDT
Illinois
FOX 32 Chicago

CHICAGO - A new report reveals the disparity between minimum wage and the cost of an average two-bedroom rental in different U.S. cities.

According to Out of Reach, in no state, metropolitan area, or county can a full-time minimum-wage worker afford a modest two-bedroom rental home, and these workers cannot afford modest one-bedroom apartments in 91% of U.S. counties.

According to the report, the average Illinoisan needs to earn an hourly wage of $22.80 and work full-time to afford a two-bedroom apartment.

THIS IS HOW MUCH YOU NEED TO MAKE PER HOUR TO AFFORD HOUSING IN YOUR STATE

In most of Cook County, data shows the number exceeds the state average at $25.77.

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The most expensive areas in the state are in the Chicago area: Chicago, Joliet and Naperville — which all sit at $25.77 as well.

In Kendall County it's not much better. Data shows renters would need to earn a minimum wage of $25.06 to afford a two-bedroom apartment — while Grundy County sits at $23.17.

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DeKalb County comes in at $20.08, while the Kankakee area is at $18.81.

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On the opposite end of the spectrum, not all parts of Illinois are out of reach for the average American.

In downstate Illinois, cities like Danville ($15.42), Decatur ($15.27), and Peoria ($15.67) offer a much lower cost of living.

In Bloomington, data shows renters would need to earn a minimum wage of $16.73 to afford a two-bedroom apartment., while Springfield sits at $16.21.

Heading northwest, Rockford area residents would need to earn $16.08.

Heading southwest, residents in the St. Louis area would need to earn $18.21.

There are more than a dozen counties in Illinois that are the cheapest and where you will get the most bang for your buck. The minimum wage in those counties is $14.13, according to the report.

The state's minimum wage is currently $12. However, some municipalities set their own minimum wage, such as Chicago which is at $15.40 for employers with 21 or more employees. It's $14.50 for employers who have between four and 20 employees.

To view Illinois' full report on rental costs and minimum wages, click here.

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