Central Park - Decatur, Illinois

Central Park - Decatur, Illinois September 15, 2023

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Decatur is known as the Soy City, but it also just earned national recognition for its affordability.

The City of Decatur posted on Facebook that it was named U.S. News' most affordable place to live in the United States for 2025-26. 

Decatur earned top honors due to its "low cost of living" and "affordable housing costs. The City added that Decatur ranks #15 in the outlet's best places to live in Illinois. 

U.S. News stated that the median household income in Decatur is just under $50,000, with the median home value coming in at $89,855, the second-lowest on the list behind Johnstown, Pennsylvania.  

Springfield was the only other Illinois city to be ranked among the nation's most affordable, coming in at No. 4 on the list. 

The full rankings are available online

Top Stories:

Champaign man arrested after Sidney bank robbery, evading police

Health officials share tips to prevent foodborne illness this Thanksgiving

Springfield man arrested for possession of child sexual abuse materials

Avoiding holiday conflict: Clinician offers advice for peaceful gatherings

Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.