Cost of Living in Effingham, IL
Population 12,258 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Effingham can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $167,000 against $65,718 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Effingham lies roughly 75 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Springfield. Housing prices track closely with Springfield's $155,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Effingham
The median home value in Effingham is $166,700 — 45% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $696/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,718/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, 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, Effingham has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% 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 Effingham, IL?
Effingham has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in Effingham, IL?
The median gross rent in Effingham is $696 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Effingham?
The median home value in Effingham is $166,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Effingham?
The median household income in Effingham is $65,718 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Effingham, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Effingham is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Effingham, IL affordable?
Yes, Effingham is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
Effingham at a Glance
- Population
- 12,258
- Median Income
- $65,718
- Home Value
- $166,700
- Median Rent
- $696/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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