Cost of Living in Dolton, IL
Population 20,979 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
A 36-minute average commute puts Dolton squarely in exurban territory — the kind of place where many households optimize for housing cost over proximity to work. Home values of $141,000 reflect that spatial discount. Around 20% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 15 miles southeast of Chicago, Dolton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 55% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dolton
The median home value in Dolton is $140,500 — 54% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,399/month, 6% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,706/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.9%, 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, Dolton has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% 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 Dolton, IL?
Dolton has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Dolton, IL?
The median gross rent in Dolton is $1,399 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dolton?
The median home value in Dolton is $140,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Dolton?
The median household income in Dolton is $58,706 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dolton, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dolton is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Dolton, IL affordable?
Yes, Dolton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
Dolton at a Glance
- Population
- 20,979
- Median Income
- $58,706
- Home Value
- $140,500
- Median Rent
- $1,399/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs