Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Evanston

Affordability in Evanston, IL

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median monthly rent in Evanston is $1,762 and the median household income is $96,434 annually, with 44% of residents renting their homes. For renters whose budgets fall below market rate, the 8 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Evanston offer an important alternative.

Safety

According to the Evanston Police Department's FBI-reported data, Evanston had a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents in 2024 (source: FBI Crime Data Explorer). Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Of the 8 HUD-assisted properties in Evanston mapped for flood risk, none are located in a high-risk flood zone.

Getting Around Evanston

The area around assisted properties in Evanston scores very well for walkability, transit, and biking, according to Walk Score.

• Walk Score: 97 - Walker's Paradise. Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
• Transit Score: 61 - Good Transit. Transit is convenient for most trips.
• Bike Score: 94. Biking is an excellent option for getting around.

These scores reflect the locations of assisted properties in the city and may vary by specific address.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 19 public schools across 3 districts serve Evanston, including 12 elementary, 4 middle, 2 high schools, and 1 other. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

Cost of Renting in Evanston, IL

Evanston has a median household income of $96,434 and a median market rent of $1,762 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. Affordable housing in the city can offer meaningful savings compared to those market-rate rents.

About 44% of Evanston residents are renters, according to Census ACS 5-Year data, reflecting a substantial renter community in the city.

• Median household income: $96,434/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,762/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Renter households: 44% of occupied units (Census ACS 5-Year)

Income-based rents at HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties are typically set as a percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI), which means your actual rent will depend on your household size and income -- not the citywide median shown above.

Environment and Flood Risk

All 8 affordable housing properties in Evanston have been mapped for flood zone exposure, and none are located in a high-risk flood zone according to flood hazard data.