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Carbondale, IL

Cost of living in Jackson County, IL

Estimated monthly cost
$2,563/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 52,706 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $770 30%
Healthcare $480 19%
Groceries $345 13%
Transport $320 12%
Federal tax $303 12%
Energy $177 7%
State tax $118 5%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Jackson County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$670
per month
1 bedroom
$770
per month
2 bedroom
$977
per month
3 bedroom
$1,276
per month
4 bedroom
$1,297
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Jackson County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$45,572
per year
Individual earnings
$28,575
per year
Per capita
$30,227
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Jackson County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$125,000
Annual property tax
$2,385

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Jackson County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$116
per month · 16.5¢/kWh
Natural gas
$61
per month
Annual total
$2,124
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Jackson County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
6.8%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Jackson County

State and local tax rates for Illinois.

State income tax
5.0%
Flat rate
State sales tax
6.3%
Combined sales tax
8.8%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Jackson County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
20.1 min
Drive alone
73.5%
Public transit
1.1%
Work from home
8.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Jackson County

What it costs to live in Jackson County each month.

Single person
$2,563
per month
  • Rent $770
  • Energy $177
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $345
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $303
  • State tax $118
Couple
$3,720
per month
  • Rent $977
  • Energy $212
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $572
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $427
  • State tax $188
Family
$6,164
per month
  • Rent $1,276
  • Energy $266
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $867
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $427
  • State tax $188

Frequently asked questions about Jackson County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Jackson County?

In Jackson County, IL, a one-bedroom apartment averages $770 per month, a two-bedroom averages $977 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,276 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Jackson County?

In Jackson County, IL, the average household income is $45,572 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $28,575 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Jackson County?

The estimated cost of living in Jackson County, IL is approximately $2,563 per month for a single person, $3,720 for a couple, $6,164 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Jackson County?

The combined sales tax rate in Jackson County, IL is 8.82%, which includes the Illinois state rate of 6.25% plus an average local rate of 2.57%.

Is Jackson County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Jackson County, IL would need approximately $2,563 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $45,572 per year ($3,798 per month). Jackson County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Jackson County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Jackson County, IL is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.8% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Jackson County?

The average home value in Jackson County, IL is $125,000, with average annual property taxes of $2,385, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Jackson County compare to other areas?

You can compare Jackson County, IL with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Jackson County is in the Carbondale, IL metro area.

Other counties in Illinois

Browse the full list of counties in Illinois, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Illinois

Compare Jackson County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP