Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 10/23/2025
DeKalb County, Illinois, offers a dynamic rental landscape that blends the energy of a university town with the charm of Midwestern neighborhoods. From the historic downtown streets of DeKalb city to the quiet residential enclaves of Sycamore and the growing communities near the Interstate 88 corridor, renters enjoy easy access to Northern Illinois University, vibrant local eateries, and extensive parkland along the Kishwaukee River. The area’s mix of single‑family homes and multifamily apartments creates a balanced market that appeals to students, families, and professionals alike.
Apartment rentals in the county span a broad spectrum: studio units typically fall in the $800 range, while one‑bedroom apartments hover around $1,000. Two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments commonly rent in the $1,100‑$1,200 and $1,200‑$1,600 brackets, respectively, with larger four‑plus bedroom units reaching the $1,500‑$1,600 range. Single‑family homes provide comparable options: two‑bedroom houses average near $1,100, three‑bedroom homes approach $1,900, and spacious four‑plus bedroom properties are priced in the $2,400 range. These figures reflect a competitive market that balances affordability with the quality of life offered by well‑maintained properties and convenient amenities.
Beyond the numbers, DeKalb County’s rental market benefits from strong local infrastructure, including reliable public transit, bike‑friendly streets, and a variety of shopping and cultural destinations such as the historic DeKalb Theatre and the vibrant Farmers Market. With a welcoming community atmosphere, diverse housing choices, and easy connections to Chicago and the broader Quad‑State area, renters find DeKalb County an attractive place to call home.
Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apartment | Studio | $797 | $752 | $575 - $1,400 | $698 - $800 |
Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $1,015 | $1,014 | $635 - $1,450 | $875 - $1,189 |
Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $1,124 | $1,078 | $725 - $1,908 | $925 - $1,235 |
Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $1,171 | $1,215 | $779 - $1,500 | $1,075 - $1,250 |
Apartment | 4+ Bedroom | $1,471 | $1,457 | $1,040 - $2,010 | $1,215 - $1,650 |
House | 2 Bedroom | $1,148 | $1,100 | $850 - $1,495 | $850 - $1,495 |
House | 3 Bedroom | $1,916 | $1,675 | $1,100 - $3,200 | $1,350 - $2,500 |
House | 4+ Bedroom | $2,426 | $2,302 | $1,900 - $3,200 | $2,200 - $3,200 |
In the current period, the average rent in DeKalb was $784 for Studio, $999 for 1 Bedroom, $1,126 for 2 Bedroom, $1,337 for 3 Bedroom, and $1,946 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.