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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Chicago

Chicago has 759 affordable and income-based properties offering 73,492 units across dozens of neighborhoods. With a median asking rent of $1,440 per month (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024), income-based housing can make a real difference for the city's renters, who make up 54 percent of all households. Neighborhoods like Woodlawn, Bronzeville, and East Garfield Park have especially strong concentrations of affordable options.

500
Properties
49,129
Total units
92/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,440/mo

Affordability in Chicago, IL

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024), the median gross rent in Chicago is $1,440 per month and the median household income is $77,902 per year. With 54% of households renting, the city has a large renter base, and income-restricted housing can provide meaningful savings against market-rate rents.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
540 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Chicago Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 540 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and definitions.

Of the 330 HUD-assisted properties mapped for flood risk in Chicago, none fall in a high-risk flood zone.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 92 · Walker's Paradise

Getting Around Chicago

According to Walk Score, assisted housing properties in Chicago average a Walk Score of 92 (Walker's Paradise), a Transit Score of 65 (Good Transit), and a Bike Score of 92. These scores reflect conditions around the assisted properties listed on this page.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
656 schools · 11 districts

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 656 public schools across 11 districts serve Chicago, including 464 elementary, 11 middle, and 178 high schools, plus 3 schools classified as other levels. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$77,902 median income

Cost of Living

The median household income in Chicago is $77,902 per year, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimate. The median asking rent citywide is $1,440 per month, according to the same source.

Chicago has 330 HUD-assisted and income-based properties totaling 38,485 units across the city. These properties offer rents set below market rate, typically tied to a percentage of household income or area median income limits, which can make a significant difference for renters in a high-demand rental market where 54% of households rent their homes (Census ACS 5-Year).

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 330 HUD-assisted properties in Chicago were mapped for flood risk, and none are located in a high-risk flood zone. Renters in these properties face minimal federally designated flood exposure based on available flood data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 92/100(207 of 500 scored)
90+ (152)70–89 (50)60–69 (3)<60 (2)No score (293)

500 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 500 affordable apartments in Chicago→

Neighborhoods in Chicago

› Woodlawn89 properties› Bronzeville apartments77 properties› Affordable housing in East Garfield Park66 properties› Austin income-based rentals39 properties› Logan Square38 properties› Uptown apartments37 properties› Affordable housing in South Shore28 properties› Englewood income-based rentals27 properties› Little Village21 properties› Pilsen apartments21 properties› Affordable housing in Lakeview21 properties› Rogers Park income-based rentals21 properties

Other cities in IL

› Affordable housing in Alton› Aurora income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Danville› Decatur affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in East Saint Louis› Affordable housing in Elgin› Evanston income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Freeport› Galesburg affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Joliet› Affordable housing in Kankakee› Palatine income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in IL› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Chicago, IL

Chicago is one of the largest affordable housing markets in the Midwest, with 330 HUD-assisted and income-based properties totaling 38,485 units spread across dozens of neighborhoods. Renters searching here will find options in communities ranging from Woodlawn and Bronzeville on the South Side to Uptown and Logan Square on the North Side.

Of the 298 properties with inspection scores, 217 are rated Excellent and 71 are rated Good, meaning the strong majority of assisted units in Chicago are in well-maintained buildings, according to HUD inspection data. None of the 330 mapped properties fall in a high-risk flood zone.

Chicago is a majority-renter city. According to the Census ACS 5-Year (as of 2024), 54% of households rent, and the citywide median gross rent is $1,440 per month -- context that underscores why income-based housing plays an important role here. The median household income is $77,902 annually, per the same source.

Getting around without a car is practical for many residents. According to Walk Score, Chicago earns a walkability score of 92 (Walker's Paradise), a transit score of 65 (Good Transit), and a bike score of 92. The city is served by 11 school districts and 656 public schools, including 464 elementary, 11 middle, and 178 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data.

According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer (as of 2024), Chicago's violent crime rate as reported by the Chicago Police Department was 294 per 100,000 residents. Renters are encouraged to research specific neighborhoods when evaluating properties.

Eligibility & how to apply

Illinois income limits (2026)Illinois public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Illinois

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →