Many people who work full-time jobs in Chicago are finding it almost impossible to rent a decent apartment. Even with a steady income, once taxes, bills, and basic expenses are paid, there’s not much left to cover high rent prices. People are being forced to choose between unsafe living conditions and paying more than they can afford to stay housed. Some have been searching for a new apartment for years with no luck, even though they earn enough to live comfortably in most other cities.
Rents Are Growing Faster Than Paychecks
Over the last 20 years, rent and utility prices have increased by nearly 30%, while household incomes have only gone up by about 9%. This gap is hitting working-class renters the hardest. Incomes simply aren’t keeping up, and renters who bring in between $2,000 and $4,000 a month are now spending well over 30% of their income on housing, sometimes closer to 50% or more. This leaves little money for food, transportation, savings, or emergencies.
Not Enough Housing for Middle-Income Families
Chicago isn’t building enough housing that regular people can afford. Since the 2008 recession, most new apartment buildings have targeted high-income renters, with rent prices often above $2,200 per month. Meanwhile, older and more affordable buildings are being converted into single-family homes, upgraded for wealthier tenants, or demolished altogether. This reduces the number of rental units available to working families. Older two- or three-flat buildings, once a key part of Chicago’s housing supply, are disappearing fast.
Low-Income Rentals Often Unsafe—and Still Too Expensive
Even the few apartments that are affordable often have major problems—broken heaters, water leaks, unsafe electrical systems, or mold. Some units have even failed basic safety inspections. And because Illinois doesn’t have rent control, landlords can raise the rent by hundreds of dollars at any time, even if the building is in bad shape. That means tenants who are already struggling could face sudden rent hikes, forcing them to leave with nowhere else to go.
Cheaper Neighborhoods Are No Longer Cheap
Neighborhoods on the South and West Sides of Chicago used to offer more affordable options, but even those areas have seen rents climb sharply. In some communities, rent has nearly quadrupled since 2000. What were once working-class neighborhoods are now becoming too expensive for the people who have lived there for decades. As a result, more residents are thinking about leaving Chicago entirely. Some are even signing up for housing waitlists in other states where rent is cheaper.
In Summary
Chicago is becoming harder for everyday people to afford. Rent is going up, wages aren’t keeping pace, and many middle- and lower-income residents are being squeezed out. With a shortage of affordable housing, unsafe conditions in cheaper rentals, and no limits on how much landlords can raise the rent, the city is facing a serious housing crisis. Without new solutions, more and more families may be forced to leave.
