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MarketsIllinoisDixonCost of Living & Affordability

Cost of Living & Affordability: Dixon, IL

Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Dixon, IL

Cap Rate
3.72%
Median Price
$175K
Rent/Mo
$1,020
1% Rule
0.58%
Fails

Housing Affordability

Dixon's price-to-income ratio is 2.8x — homes cost 2.8 times the local median household income of $62,333. This is very affordable. Homes are well within reach of local workers, which can mean a smaller renter pool but also a healthier, more stable market. Rental demand comes from those who choose to rent rather than those priced out of buying.

Rent vs Buy Analysis

A typical mortgage payment on a median-priced home in Dixon (20% down at 7%) is approximately $1,164/mo for principal and interest alone — add taxes and insurance and the all-in payment reaches roughly $1,523. The median rent of $1,020/mo is significantly less than buying — this rent-vs-buy gap is one of the strongest indicators of sustainable rental demand. When renting is cheaper than buying, the renter pool stays deep and vacancy stays low.

Income & Employment

The median household income in Dixon is $62,333, with a population of 50,000 growing at 0.2% per year. Dixon is a smaller market. Research the local employment base carefully — smaller cities can be significantly impacted by a single employer's decisions.

What This Means for Investors

Dixon is affordable with moderate returns. Focus on volume — the low entry point lets you scale to multiple properties faster than in more expensive markets.

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How Dixon Compares

Dixon vs Illinois state average and national average across key investment metrics. Dixon's cap rate is below both benchmarks — deal sourcing is critical here.

Metric
Dixon
Illinois Avg
National Avg
Cap Rate
3.72%
4.43%
3.81%
Median Price
$175K
$212K
$333K
Median Rent
$1,020
$1,334
$1,524
Property Tax
2.06%
2.06%
1.08%
Vacancy
5.9%
5.9%
5.6%
Pop. Growth
0.2%/yr
0.2%/yr
0.9%/yr

Nearby Midwest Markets

City
Cap Rate
Price
Rent
Tax
Dixon, IL
3.7%
$175K
$1,020
2.06%
Atchison, KS
5.7%
$175K
$1,220
1.38%
Bay City, MI
6.0%
$175K
$1,280
1.46%
Salina, KS
4.8%
$175K
$1,070
1.38%
Ashtabula, OH
4.2%
$170K
$1,000
1.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dixon affordable for renters?
Renters in Dixon spend approximately 20% of median household income on rent. This is within the standard 30% affordability threshold, suggesting renters have room in their budgets. The median household income is $62,333, below the level needed for comfortable renting.
What is the price-to-income ratio in Dixon?
Dixon's price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, meaning homes cost 2.8 times the local median income. This is very affordable — below the 4x threshold that typically signals a healthy buyer's market.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Dixon?
A mortgage payment (20% down, 7% rate) on the median $175K home is approximately $931/mo before taxes and insurance. Adding those costs brings it to roughly $1,290/mo. The median rent of $1,020/mo is less than the cost of buying — this parity means some renters could transition to buying.
How does Dixon's cost of living compare to the national average?
Home prices in Dixon ($175K) are 48% below the national average. Rents ($1,020/mo) are 33% below average. Property taxes (2.06%) are above the 1.08% national average.
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Explore Dixon & Related Markets

More Dixon Guides

Rental Property Investment GuideRent AnalysisProperty Tax GuideAppreciation & Growth ForecastNeighborhood Investment Guide

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