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Studio Apartments for Rent in Harvard, IL

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    $1,400 Per Month

    • Studio
    • 825 Sq Ft
    • Apartment for Rent

    1020 9th St, Harvard, IL 60033

    Clean and cozy upper unit located on a quiet street near downtown Harvard. Offering comfortable sized bedrooms and a large living room, pantry, hall closet, and balcony. 2 designated parking spots per unit. Conveniently situated near the train, shopping, and local amenities. Tenant pays electric & gas, shared coin-operated laundry. Pets allowed, $500 deposit per animal. First and last months rent

    Tara Caruana Re/Max Property Source

    1020 9th St, Harvard, IL 60033

Why Live in Harvard

Harvard, IL, is a rural community with a historic downtown strip featuring local storefronts and restaurants. Known as the Milk Capital of the World, Harvard celebrates its heritage with annual events like Harvard Milk Days, one of Illinois' longest-running festivals. Downtown Harvard, particularly West Front Street, offers a variety of local businesses such as Starline Excursion Market, Bopp’s Bar and Grill, and By the Dozen Bakery. For groceries, residents frequent the nearby Walmart Supercenter. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Lion Park's playground, softball fields, and community pool, or visit Harvard Dog Park for off-leash fun. Rush Creek Conservation Area provides 700 acres of woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, with seven miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. Harvard's residential areas feature ranch, Victorian-influenced farmhouses, and bungalow-style homes, many built in the 20th century, with newer traditional-style homes and custom-built houses emerging since the early 2000s. Commuting is convenient with a Metra station in town offering rides to Chicago, and Rockford International Airport just a 45-minute drive away. The community is 75 miles from Chicago via Interstate 90, and Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center is 15.2 miles away. While the periodic noise from passing trains near the town's center is a consideration, many residents find it a minor aspect of life in Harvard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Harvard, IL?
The median rent for a home in Harvard, IL is $1,500 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of August 2026, single-family homes tend to be the most affordable option while townhouses and condos are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Harvard, IL?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Harvard, IL, a household needs to earn roughly $60,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $1,500 per month in Harvard, IL, renters typically need to show $4,500 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Harvard, IL?
In Harvard, IL, the price-to-rent ratio is 15.9, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$1,500
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,475
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,300
Median Condo Rent
$2,500
How to Rent a Home