Cost of Living in Fairbury, IL
Population 3,683 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Fairbury stay well under national norms: a median home value of $156,000 against median household incomes of $65,215 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Illinois.
Located 55 miles southwest of Joliet, Fairbury is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Joliet's $249,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fairbury
The median home value in Fairbury is $155,900 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $750/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,215/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, Fairbury has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.
Fairbury has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fairbury, IL?
Fairbury has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fairbury, IL?
The median gross rent in Fairbury is $750 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fairbury?
The median home value in Fairbury is $155,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fairbury?
The median household income in Fairbury is $65,215 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fairbury, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairbury is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Fairbury, IL affordable?
Yes, Fairbury is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
Fairbury at a Glance
- Population
- 3,683
- Median Income
- $65,215
- Home Value
- $155,900
- Median Rent
- $750/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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