AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Champaign, IL — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Champaign neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,050/mo
Median Rent
89,114
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Champaign? What Renters Need to Know

Average rent in Champaign is approximately $1,050 per month, elevated by the University of Illinois student population. Campustown apartments near the UIUC main quad command the highest rents, while North Champaign offers more affordable options further from campus.

Quick Facts

Population 89,114
Median Rent $1,050/mo
Top Employer University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,050 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Champaign median rent is $450 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Champaign is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, making the Campustown area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Champaign

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Campustown

Score: 84/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 84
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 7/10
#2

Downtown Champaign

Score: 80/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 6/10
#3

Savoy

Score: 80/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 30
Avg Rent $1,050
Schools 8/10

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#4

Urbana (Twin City)

Score: 78/100
Safety B
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 7/10
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#5

Crystal Lake Park

Score: 76/100
Safety B
Walk Score 52
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 7/10
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#6

North Champaign

Score: 64/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 44
Avg Rent $850
Schools 5/10
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#7

Northfield

Score: 72/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $950
Schools 6/10
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#8

South Champaign

Score: 74/100
Safety B
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $975
Schools 6/10
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See All 8 Champaign Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Champaign Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Champaign renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Champaign.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Champaign properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Champaign

What is the average rent in Champaign, IL?

Average rent in Champaign is approximately $1,050 per month, elevated by the University of Illinois student population. Campustown apartments near the UIUC main quad command the highest rents, while North Champaign offers more affordable options further from campus.

Is Champaign a good college town?

Champaign-Urbana is a classic Big Ten college town with a dynamic student culture, strong restaurant and bar scene, vibrant arts programming through UIUC, and surprisingly diverse international food options thanks to the university's global student body. It's one of the most culturally rich small cities in Illinois.

How walkable is Champaign?

Champaign is quite walkable and bikeable by Illinois standards, particularly in Campustown and near downtown. The UIUC campus is highly pedestrian-friendly, and the city has invested in bike infrastructure. A car is still needed for most suburban errands.

What is the job market like in Champaign?

The University of Illinois is the overwhelmingly dominant employer, with Carle Foundation Hospital, Kraft Foods, and Christie Clinic also providing significant jobs. The tech sector has grown through UIUC spinoffs, and the Research Park on campus houses many tech companies.

What is the cost of living like in Champaign vs. other Illinois cities?

Champaign offers a significantly lower cost of living than Chicago or its suburbs, with lower housing costs, lower taxes, and lower everyday expenses. It's considered one of the best value-per-quality-of-life cities in Illinois for those who don't need a major metro.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.