Venice, Illinois Tops Affordable Housing List Nationwide

Local revitalization brings new housing, grocery store, and community efforts to boost affordability.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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According to a new study by MoneyLion, the small town of Venice, Illinois has the most affordable homes in the country, with an average home value of just $31,568 - about 91% below the national single-family home average of $357,000. The town's median household income of $34,609 also makes it the '#1 affordability outlier' in the 50-state analysis. A revitalization effort led by Dr. Ed Hightower aims to build 40 new affordable homes, a child-care center, and a career training center to further boost the community.

Why it matters

As housing costs continue to rise nationwide, the affordable homes and community-focused redevelopment in Venice provide a model for how smaller, economically-challenged towns can revitalize and offer quality, dignified housing options for residents. The new grocery store project also helps address Venice's status as a food desert, improving access to fresh and affordable food.

The details

MoneyLion analyzed data from Zillow and the U.S. Census to identify the least-expensive qualifying city in each state. In Venice, the average home value of $31,568 is about 91% below the national single-family home average of $357,000, making it the most affordable city to buy a home in the country. Venice's median household income of $34,609 is also cited as the '#1 affordability outlier' in the 50-state analysis.

  • In the 2020 census, Venice's population was 1,498, down from 1,890 in 2010.
  • In November 2025, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Dr. Hightower broke ground on a new grocery store in Venice, part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative.
  • The second phase of the revitalization effort includes 40 new, energy-efficient, affordable homes planned to be built by the end of 2026.

The players

MoneyLion

A financial services company that analyzed data from Zillow and the U.S. Census to identify the least-expensive qualifying city in each state.

Dr. Ed Hightower

A former school superintendent leading an economic revitalization effort in Venice that includes plans for new, high-quality, affordable housing as part of a multi-phase development.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker

Joined Dr. Hightower and regional leaders to break ground on a new grocery store in Venice, part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative.

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What they’re saying

“Quality, dignified housing options for residents.”

— Dr. Ed Hightower, Leader of Venice revitalization effort (riverbender.com)

What’s next

The second phase of the revitalization effort includes 40 new, energy-efficient, affordable homes planned to be built just southwest of downtown Venice, with a target completion by the end of 2026, following the initial construction of a new grocery store as part of the first phase.

The takeaway

Venice, Illinois provides a model for how smaller, economically-challenged towns can revitalize and offer quality, affordable housing options for residents. The community's focus on building new homes, a grocery store, and other community resources demonstrates how targeted redevelopment can boost affordability and improve quality of life.