The average monthly rent of apartments in Dekalb, IL is $1,105.
Apartments for Rent in Dekalb, IL
Rental prices in Dekalb, IL have increased by 2.03% over the past year. The average rent moved from $1,083 to $1,105.
Compared to the national average rent of $1,741, the average rent in Dekalb, IL is $1,105.
The average monthly rent of apartments in Dekalb, IL is $1,105.
About 11% of apartment rents in Dekalb, IL range between $1,501-$2,000. Meanwhile, apartments around $2,001-$2,500 represent 2% of apartments. Around 47% of Dekalb’s apartments are in the $1,001-$1,500 price range. 40% of apartments are priced ≤ $1000.
The largest share of rentals in Dekalb, IL (47%) fall between $1,001-$1,500 per month. This suggests that most people succesfully find suitable apartments within this price.
Prices and availability in Dekalb, IL were last updated on 20 Feb 2026.
The best apartments in Dekalb, IL are: The Terraces at Dekalb, (AC) Ashbury Court Apartments, (TC) Timbercrest Apartments, (OOP) Old Orchard Place Apartments and (CE) Colonial East Apartments.
The average rent in Dekalb, IL is $1,012.
The price range for a studio apartment in Dekalb, IL is between $675 and $1,999.
The price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Dekalb, IL is between $750 and $999.
The price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Dekalb, IL is between $850 and $1,105.
The price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Dekalb, IL is between $860 and $1,210.
In Dekalb, 57% of the residents are renting compared to 43% owning a home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large-scale apartment buildings with more than 50 units represent 10% of Dekalb's rentals, 81% are small-scale complexes with under 50 units, and 9% are single-family rentals.
The average age of rental buildings in Dekalb is 42 years old, with 12% being newer apartment buildings completed since 2000. The average height of apartment buildings in the city is 4 stories, of which 83% are garden-style apartment communities, 14% are mid-sized buildings, and 4% are high-rises. These characteristics describe large-scale apartment communities of 50 apartments or more.
Studio apartments in Dekalb are around 6% of rentals, while 1-bedroom floor plans represent 35% of the total stock. For those in search of larger rentals, 2-bedroom floorplans make up 45% of all rentals. More generous apartments with 3 bedrooms or more are also available in this city for those in search of more space.
An hour west of Chicago are apartments and houses for rent in DeKalb, a peaceful, small town brimming with high-tech success. Rentals in DeKalb make up the westernmost regions of the Technology and Research Corridor along I-80, where a strong local economy makes commuting to Chicago just one of many career options for renters in DeKalb. For example, in 2022, Facebook made a $1 billion investment to expand a major data center in DeKalb. Local manufacturing and distribution industries are booming, as well, with warehousing expansions made by Ferrara Candy and other top companies. Meanwhile, families renting in DeKalb are serviced by the DeKalb Community Unit School District 428, which has eight elementary schools, two middle schools and the DeKalb High School. The average temperature is 48°F.
Renters will find much of the local community to be shaped by the Northern Illinois University culture. DeKalb is a very peaceful and laidback small town, and the majority of student renters go home on the weekends. Neighborhoods largely consist of well-educated renters, many with tech backgrounds and families. The apartments for rent in Dekalb near the university are reasonably affordable and tend to be studio, one-, two- or three-bedrooms, with a variety of two- to five-bedroom houses for rent in neighboring subdivisions. Renters will need a car to complete most errands, but will find the area layout moderately walkable. Aside from a dozen parks and numerous nature trails, most rentals will have a popular neighborhood restaurant or a friendly local hangout within walking distance (like Star Worlds Arcade, for example). DeKalb renters are also near places of cultural enrichment, such as the Egyptian Theatre; J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center; and the historic Ellwood House Museum.
Most renters in DeKalb go shopping at the CherryVale Mall in the small town of Rockford, 30 miles northwest of DeKalb. Walmart, Target, Kohl’s and T.J Maxx are just some of the more popular brand stores for renters in DeKalb to run small errands in town. Grocery store options include Schnucks DeKalb; Aldi; A B Supermarket; and ethnic establishments, such as Ruby’s Asian Market. Many of these shopping locations are conveniently close to I-80. Downtown renters enjoy a close proximity to specialty boutiques, like Cracker Jax and Sycamore Antiques, as well as downtown restaurants, such as Balli and Al’s BBQ Shack. Outside of the downtown area, The Hillside Restaurant; Ellwood Steak and Fish House; and Thai Pavilion Restaurant are three of the restaurants that renters enjoy most.
Renters in DeKalb utilize 15 different bus routes run by Transdev Services Inc. These routes travel throughout the Northern Illinois University and downtown areas, as well as the neighboring towns of Sycamore and Cortland. The schedule of each bus route can vary depending on the day, so renters should be sure to check online for updated hours. There are also limited on-demand paratransit shuttles provided by the city, including door-to-door pickup (with disabled renters given a main priority). Finally, for commercial flights, the Chicago Rockford International Airport is 40 miles northwest of DeKalb.
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