Cost of Living in Blue Island, IL
Population 23,416 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Blue Island a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $170,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 11.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 12 miles south of Chicago, Blue Island falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Blue Island
The median home value in Blue Island is $169,800 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,071/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,965/year is 18% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Blue Island has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Blue Island, IL?
Blue Island has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in Blue Island, IL?
The median gross rent in Blue Island is $1,071 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Blue Island?
The median home value in Blue Island is $169,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Blue Island?
The median household income in Blue Island is $60,965 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Blue Island, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Blue Island is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Blue Island, IL affordable?
Yes, Blue Island is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
Blue Island at a Glance
- Population
- 23,416
- Median Income
- $60,965
- Home Value
- $169,800
- Median Rent
- $1,071/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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