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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Decatur

Decatur, IL has 23 affordable and income-based rental properties offering 2,049 units across the city. With a median rent of $845 per month (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024), Decatur sits in an accessible range for renters seeking subsidized housing. HUD inspection data shows strong physical conditions across scored properties, with 12 of 14 rated excellent.

23
Properties
2,049
Total units
94/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$845/mo

Affordability in Decatur, IL

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median gross rent in Decatur is $845 per month and the median household income is $51,592 per year, with renters making up 37% of households. Lease Lantern tracks 14 HUD-assisted and income-based properties totaling 1,090 units across the city.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
605 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to the Decatur Police Department's data reported to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Decatur had a violent crime rate of 605 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Of the 14 HUD-assisted properties in Decatur tracked by Lease Lantern, 1 is located in a FEMA-designated high flood-risk zone. You can check a specific property's flood zone status on its individual listing page.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 67 · Somewhat Walkable

Getting Around Decatur

According to Walk Score, the area around Decatur's assisted properties scores 67 (Somewhat Walkable), meaning some errands can be accomplished on foot. The Bike Score for the same area is 45, indicating some biking infrastructure is available.

  • Walk Score: 67 - Somewhat Walkable
  • Bike Score: 45

No Transit Score was available for this area. Scores reflect the area around assisted properties and are provided by Walk Score.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
22 schools · 3 districts

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 22 public schools across 3 districts serve Decatur, including 12 elementary, 1 middle, and 9 high schools. Ratings 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
$51,592 median income

Cost of Renting in Decatur, IL

The median household income in Decatur is $51,592 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. About 37% of households in the city rent their homes.

The citywide median rent is $845 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. Income-based and HUD-assisted housing in Decatur can offer rents well below that figure for households who qualify.

Lease Lantern tracks 14 affordable properties with 1,090 total units in Decatur. Use the listings below to find properties accepting applications and to check income limits for each program.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Environmental Exposure

Of the 14 HUD-assisted properties mapped for flood risk in Decatur, 1 falls within a high-risk flood zone and 13 do not. Flood exposure across this portfolio is limited overall.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 94/100(14 of 23 scored)
90+ (12)70–89 (2)No score (9)

23 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 23 affordable apartments in Decatur→

Other cities in IL

› Affordable housing in Alton› Aurora income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Chicago› Danville 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 Decatur, IL

Decatur is a mid-sized Illinois city with a notable stock of HUD-assisted and income-based rental housing. With 14 properties and 1,090 total units tracked by Lease Lantern, renters here have a meaningful range of assisted options to explore.

Property Conditions

Inspection results for Decatur are encouraging. All 14 scored properties carry an average score of 94, with 12 rated excellent and 2 rated good -- and none falling into fair or poor categories, according to HUD inspection data.

Flood Risk

Of the 14 mapped properties, 1 carries a high flood-risk designation. It is worth asking any prospective landlord about flood history and renter's insurance requirements before signing a lease.

Rents and Income

The median monthly rent in Decatur is $845 and the median household income is $51,592 annually, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimates (as of 2024). About 37% of Decatur households rent their homes, per the same source.

Getting Around

Decatur earns a Walk Score of 67 (Somewhat Walkable) and a Bike Score of 45, according to Walk Score. Depending on where a property sits within the city, daily errands may or may not be manageable without a car.

Public Safety

According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Decatur Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 294 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Prospective renters are encouraged to review crime data for specific neighborhoods when researching individual properties.

Schools

Decatur is served by 3 school districts operating 22 public schools -- including 12 elementary, 1 middle, and 9 high schools -- according to the NCES Common Core of Data.

A Closer Look Is Coming

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 →