Where to Live

Located just 60 miles west of Chicago, DeKalb County has a population of just over 100,000. It includes the cities of DeKalb, Sycamore, Sandwich and Genoa, as well as dozens of smaller towns, townships and unincorporated communities. The county seat is Sycamore, and the largest city is DeKalb, with a population of just over 45,000.

Buying a Home

DeKalb County is a combination of urban, suburban and rural living. The average home price is between $150,000 and $200,000, but prices and lot sizes vary significantly, ranging from small urban lots to farmhouses on large swaths of land. Property taxes also vary, with higher tax rates in the cities providing libraries, parks, public swimming pools, golf courses and more.

Renting

Rentals also vary significantly, with most undergraduate student housing located in the Annie Glidden North and West Lincoln Highway neighborhoods close to campus. Luxury downtown apartments, duplexes and single-family homes are also available for rental.

Learn more on the NIU off-campus housing website.

Housing Authority of DeKalb County

Affordable housing is available for low-income people through the Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb.