Cheapest Cities in Illinois 2026 | Most Affordable Places to Buy

All Affordable Cities in Illinois

#	City	Median Price	Days on Market	Months Supply	YoY Change
1	Washington Park	$5K	195 days	2.0 mo	N/A
2	Cable	$6K	274 days	—	N/A
3	Lake Ka-Ho	$8K	47 days	—	N/A
4	Palmer	$8K	72 days	—	N/A
5	Assumption	$10K	172 days	5.0 mo	N/A
6	Dowell	$11K	107 days	2.0 mo	N/A
7	Maquon	$12K	100 days	—	N/A
8	Grand Tower	$13K	42 days	1.0 mo	N/A
9	Altona	$13K	109 days	—	N/A
10	Indianola	$13K	18 days	—	N/A
11	Beason	$14K	38 days	—	N/A
12	Bryant	$15K	116 days	—	N/A
13	Naples	$15K	119 days	—	N/A
14	Shipman	$15K	days	—	N/A
15	Olive Branch	$16K	146 days	1.0 mo	N/A
16	New Burnside	$17K	82 days	—	N/A
17	Mason	$18K	days	2.0 mo	N/A
18	Centreville	$19K	65 days	4.0 mo	N/A
19	Vergennes	$20K	195 days	—	N/A
20	Lowpoint	$20K	6 days	—	N/A
21	Royal Lakes	$20K	260 days	—	N/A
22	Green Valley	$20K	61 days	—	N/A
23	Venice	$21K	22 days	—	N/A
24	Gorham	$21K	99 days	—	N/A
25	Fayetteville	$22K	83 days	—	N/A
26	Meyer	$22K	177 days	—	N/A
27	Ludlow	$24K	64 days	—	N/A
28	New Douglas	$24K	142 days	1.0 mo	N/A
29	Hurst	$24K	60 days	3.0 mo	N/A
30	Opdyke	$24K	3 days	—	N/A
31	Madison	$25K	33 days	4.0 mo	N/A
32	McClure	$25K	3492 days	—	N/A
33	Franklin	$25K	192 days	2.0 mo	N/A
34	Gladstone	$25K	86 days	—	N/A
35	Langleyville	$25K	11 days	—	N/A
36	Literberry	$25K	64 days	—	N/A
37	Merritt	$25K	162 days	—	N/A
38	Old Ripley	$25K	70 days	—	N/A
39	East St. Louis	$26K	45 days	4.0 mo	N/A
40	Troy Grove	$26K	134 days	—	N/A
41	Argenta	$28K	210 days	2.0 mo	N/A
42	Ivesdale	$28K	24 days	3.0 mo	N/A
43	Sciota	$28K	11 days	—	N/A
44	Sorento	$28K	62 days	2.0 mo	N/A
45	Walnut Hill	$28K	35 days	1.0 mo	N/A
46	Bureau Junction	$29K	225 days	—	N/A
47	Pontoosuc	$30K	199 days	—	N/A
48	Dover	$31K	2 days	—	N/A
49	Nilwood	$32K	29 days	—	N/A
50	Penfield	$33K	2 days	—	N/A
51	Elvaston	$34K	68 days	—	N/A
52	Stronghurst	$34K	49 days	3.0 mo	N/A
53	Glasgow	$35K	167 days	—	N/A
54	Alma	$35K	102 days	1.0 mo	N/A
55	La Prairie	$35K	43 days	—	N/A
56	Neponset	$35K	312 days	2.0 mo	N/A
57	Sidell	$35K	24 days	1.0 mo	N/A
58	Cambridge	$36K	140 days	6.0 mo	N/A
59	De Soto	$36K	21 days	8.0 mo	N/A
60	Sauget	$36K	43 days	—	N/A
61	Brookport	$37K	112 days	1.0 mo	N/A
62	Ashmore	$38K	162 days	2.0 mo	N/A
63	Ellisville	$38K	119 days	—	N/A
64	Carman	$38K	48 days	—	N/A
65	Marietta	$38K	297 days	—	N/A
66	Basco	$40K	57 days	—	N/A
67	Beverly	$40K	700 days	—	N/A
68	Cypress	$40K	109 days	—	N/A
69	Riggston	$40K	4383 days	—	N/A
70	Concord	$41K	69 days	—	N/A
71	Tiskilwa	$41K	63 days	—	N/A
72	Fall Creek	$42K	158 days	—	N/A
73	Fidelity	$42K	160 days	—	N/A
74	Media	$42K	43 days	—	N/A
75	Hardin	$43K	433 days	1.0 mo	N/A
76	Belknap	$44K	29 days	—	N/A
77	Polo	$44K	8 days	3.0 mo	N/A
78	West Point	$44K	99 days	1.0 mo	N/A
79	Alorton	$45K	2 days	1.0 mo	N/A
80	Cisco	$45K	18 days	—	N/A
81	Mount Clare	$45K	4 days	—	N/A
82	Murrayville	$45K	179 days	—	N/A
83	Summerfield	$45K	57 days	—	N/A
84	Bardolph	$46K	75 days	—	N/A
85	Prairie City	$47K	246 days	—	N/A
86	Chapin	$47K	44 days	4.0 mo	N/A
87	Fairmont City	$47K	3 days	—	N/A
88	Tennessee	$48K	95 days	—	N/A
89	Nason	$49K	124 days	—	N/A
90	Windsor	$49K	39 days	2.5 mo	N/A
91	McLean	$50K	7772 days	—	N/A
92	Plymouth	$50K	163 days	1.0 mo	N/A
93	Astoria	$50K	58 days	—	N/A
94	Blandinsville	$50K	49 days	2.0 mo	N/A
95	Brooklyn	$50K	days	—	N/A
96	Dallas City	$50K	49 days	6.0 mo	N/A
97	New Boston	$50K	66 days	1.0 mo	N/A
98	Edinburg	$51K	15 days	0.5 mo	N/A
99	Dunfermline	$52K	4 days	—	N/A
100	Girard	$53K	6 days	2.5 mo	N/A

Affordable Housing in Illinois

Looking for affordable housing in Illinois? We've ranked 100 cities by median home price to help you find budget-friendly options. The most affordable city is Washington Park with a median price of $5K.

Tips for Finding Affordable Homes

Look at smaller cities: Often have lower prices than metro areas
Consider commute times: Suburbs may offer better value
Check market trends: Some affordable areas are appreciating quickly
Work with a local agent: They know hidden gems and upcoming areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the cheapest cities to buy a house in Illinois?

The most affordable cities in Illinois are listed above, ranked by median home price. These markets offer entry points significantly below the state average, making homeownership accessible for first-time buyers, investors, and those relocating on a budget.

Is it worth buying a cheap house in Illinois?

Affordable Illinois cities can offer excellent value, especially for long-term residents and investors. Key factors to evaluate include local job market strength, school quality, crime rates, and future development plans. A local agent can help you distinguish between genuine value and areas with underlying issues.

Why are some Illinois cities so much cheaper?

Lower home prices in certain Illinois cities reflect factors like smaller population size, distance from major metro areas, limited amenities, or economic transitions. However, many affordable cities offer strong quality of life, growing economies, and appreciation potential that makes them smart buying opportunities.

What salary do I need to buy a house in Illinois's cheapest cities?

In Illinois's most affordable markets, a household income of $40,000-$60,000 may be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage, depending on the specific price point and current interest rates. Use the 28% rule: your monthly housing payment shouldn't exceed 28% of gross monthly income. A local agent and lender can pre-qualify you.

Are cheap houses in Illinois a good investment?

Affordable properties can be excellent investments, especially in Illinois cities with growing populations and economies. Look for markets with rising employment, infrastructure investment, and limited new housing supply. These factors often precede price appreciation, turning today's affordable market into tomorrow's growing one.

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Cheapest Cities in Illinois

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