Cost of Living in Machesney Park, IL

Population 22,744 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

66
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Machesney Park can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $163,000 against $74,244 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. At 6.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 8 miles north of Rockford, Machesney Park falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 34% higher than Rockford's $121,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 53
Rent 84

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

About the Cost of Living in Machesney Park

The median home value in Machesney Park is $162,500 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,109/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,244/year is equal to than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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, Machesney Park has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$162,500
47% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$196,810
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,109/mo
16% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,294/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.2x
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 80.5%
Renter-occupied 19.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,109
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,723/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
24.2 min
10% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.0%
Carpooled
6.7%
Public transit
0.0%
Walked
1.1%
Work from home
7.7%

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
$74,244
0% below avg
Per Capita Income
$34,709
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
32% above avg
Poverty Rate
13.1%
Labor Force Participation
64.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.2%
Graduate degree 5.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.5
Male median age 40.9
Female median age 39.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 52 — Moderate
45.8%
Good air days/yr
242
Max AQI recorded
265
PM2.5 days
100
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Machesney Park, IL?

Machesney Park has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.

What is average rent in Machesney Park, IL?

The median gross rent in Machesney Park is $1,109 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Machesney Park?

The median home value in Machesney Park is $162,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Machesney Park?

The median household income in Machesney Park is $74,244 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Machesney Park, IL?

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

Is Machesney Park, IL affordable?

Yes, Machesney Park is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.

Machesney Park at a Glance

Population
22,744
Median Income
$74,244
Home Value
$162,500
Median Rent
$1,109/mo
Unemployment
6.3%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

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