Cost of Living in New Lenox, IL
Population 27,456 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
New Lenox is effectively a commuter community: the average resident spends 36 minutes each way getting to work, well above the 27-minute US median. Housing costs ($378,000 for a typical home) tend to reflect the tradeoff between price and access. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 9 miles east of Joliet, New Lenox falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 52% higher than Joliet's $249,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in New Lenox
The median home value in New Lenox is $377,500 — 24% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,244/month, 5% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $133,071/year is 78% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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, New Lenox has a cost of living index of 112 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% more 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 New Lenox, IL?
New Lenox has a cost index of 112 (100 = national average). It is 12% above the national average.
What is average rent in New Lenox, IL?
The median gross rent in New Lenox is $1,244 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in New Lenox?
The median home value in New Lenox is $377,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in New Lenox?
The median household income in New Lenox is $133,071 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in New Lenox, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in New Lenox is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is New Lenox, IL affordable?
New Lenox is above average in cost of living, with an index of 112 — about 12% higher than the national average.
New Lenox at a Glance
- Population
- 27,456
- Median Income
- $133,071
- Home Value
- $377,500
- Median Rent
- $1,244/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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