Cost of Living in Carrier Mills, IL

With a cost of living index of 54, Carrier Mills, IL is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 46% cheaper than the national average and 26% below the Illinois state average of 80. Carrier Mills is a small community of 1,702 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Carrier Mills's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $525 (60% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $57,300 (81% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.1x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Carrier Mills is $50,269, which is 33% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 13% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.