Cost of Living in Hillsboro, IL

Population 5,693 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

44
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Hillsboro's median household income of $48,158 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (16% here).

Located 45 miles south of Springfield, Hillsboro falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Springfield's $155,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 31
Rent 64

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

About the Cost of Living in Hillsboro

The median home value in Hillsboro is $95,800 — 69% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $841/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,158/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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, Hillsboro has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$95,800
69% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$419,391
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$841/mo
36% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.5x
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 72.7%
Renter-occupied 27.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$841
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,455/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
26.7 min
1% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.5%
Carpooled
4.7%
Walked
6.5%
Bicycle
0.8%
Work from home
4.0%

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
$48,158
35% below avg
Per Capita Income
$22,683
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
12% above avg
Poverty Rate
15.8%
Labor Force Participation
31.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 6.8%
Graduate degree 5.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41
Male median age 37.9
Female median age 53.7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Hillsboro, IL?

Hillsboro has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.

What is average rent in Hillsboro, IL?

The median gross rent in Hillsboro is $841 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Hillsboro?

The median home value in Hillsboro is $95,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Hillsboro?

The median household income in Hillsboro is $48,158 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Hillsboro, IL?

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

Is Hillsboro, IL affordable?

Yes, Hillsboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.

Hillsboro at a Glance

Population
5,693
Median Income
$48,158
Home Value
$95,800
Median Rent
$841/mo
Unemployment
5.4%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

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