Cost of Living in Dixon, IL

Population 15,166 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Dixon a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $113,000. An unemployment rate of 2.3% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 35 miles southwest of Rockford, Dixon falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Rockford's $121,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 37

Rent 66

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Dixon

The median home value in Dixon is $113,300 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $865/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,371/year is 22% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, below 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, Dixon has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$113,300

63% below avg

Zillow Home Value

$168,065

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$865/mo

34% below avg

Zillow Rent

$1,087/mo

Zillow ZORI

Price-to-Rent Ratio

10.9x

Favors buying

Property Tax Rate

2.2%

Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio

$651

1 BR

$741

2 BR

$899

3 BR

$1,196

4 BR

$1,364

Owner-occupied 64.3%

Renter-occupied 35.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$865

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $1,479/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚

Eggs (dozen)

$0.548

🍞

White Bread (lb)

$1.912

🥩

Ground Beef (lb)

$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute

21.2 min

21% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

4.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

82.3%

Carpooled

9.4%

Public transit

1.2%

Walked

1.6%

Bicycle

0.2%

Work from home

4.5%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity

$0.176/kWh

0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%

Total Sales Tax 8.7%

State rate 6.3%

Avg local rate 2.5%

Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income

$58,371

22% below avg

Per Capita Income

$27,610

Unemployment Rate

2.3%

52% below avg

Poverty Rate

17.9%

Labor Force Participation

48.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.1%

Graduate degree 6.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.7

Male median age 40.7

Female median age 43.6

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dixon, IL?

Dixon has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.

What is average rent in Dixon, IL?

The median gross rent in Dixon is $865 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Dixon?

The median home value in Dixon is $113,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Dixon?

The median household income in Dixon is $58,371 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Dixon, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dixon is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Dixon, IL affordable?

Yes, Dixon is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.

Dixon at a Glance

Population: 15,166
Median Income: $58,371
Home Value: $113,300
Median Rent: $865/mo
Unemployment: 2.3%
Sales Tax: 8.7%

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