Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bellwood, IL
Considering a move to Bellwood, IL? With a population of just under 19,000, Bellwood offers affordable housing—median home prices are around $200,800 and average rents about $1,260. Residents enjoy reasonable commute times of 31 minutes and access to public transit, plus proximity to top medical centers and educational institutions. While crime rates are higher than average, Bellwood is a family-oriented community with good school options and a cost of living below the national average. Enjoy four distinct seasons and easy access to Chicago’s amenities.
Demographics - Bellwood, IL
Demographics - Bellwood, IL
Bellwood is a diverse suburb of nearly 19,000 residents, with a predominantly Black community and a median age of 36.2 years. The city features a high population density and a significant portion of non-English speakers, fostering a multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
18,789
Density:
7,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
7.5%
Black:
74.8%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
16.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bellwood, IL?
Living in Bellwood is relatively affordable, with the cost of living index slightly below the national average. Median home values are around $200,800, and monthly rents for a two-bedroom typically run $1,260, making it an attractive option for those looking for budget-friendly housing near Chicago.
Median House Value:
$200,800
Gross Rent:
$1,260
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,590
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$570
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.4
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
86.3
Utilities:
95.4
Transportation:
104.8
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
98.6
Crime
Is Bellwood, IL a safe place to live?
Bellwood experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a resident’s chance of property crime about 1 in 57. While safety is a consideration, proactive community efforts and awareness can help mitigate risks.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
463
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,755
Crime Index:
2,218
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 216
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in Bellwood, IL year-round?
Residents of Bellwood enjoy four distinct seasons, including warm summers with highs around 84°F and cold winters with lows near 19°F. The area receives about 38 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 53% of the year, offering a balanced Midwest climate.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
The community is characterized by modest household incomes around $59,000 and a poverty rate of nearly 15%. Many residents commute about 31 minutes to work, and public transportation is a popular choice for nearly one in five locals.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$59,441
Family Income:
$67,800
Per Capita Income:
$24,300
Income Male:
$36,500
Income Female:
$32,400
Poverty Rate:
14.9%
Non English Speakers:
23.1%
Rent:
$1,260
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
19.1%
Commute Time:
31.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.2%
Bachelors or More:
17.9%
Education
How are the schools in Bellwood, IL?
Families in Bellwood have access to several public and private schools, with student-teacher ratios just under 16 to 1. The community is also close to higher education institutions like Triton College and Concordia University Chicago, both within a few miles.

Public Schools
Name:
Roosevelt Middle School
Street:
2500 Oak St
Phone:
708-410-3028
Students:
697
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
Lincoln Primary Elementary School
Street:
2250 S 16th Ave
Phone:
708-410-2721
Students:
447
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Simeon School
Street:
10400 W 131st St
Phone:
708-385-8776
Students:
160

Colleges
Name:
Triton College
City:
River Grove
State:
IL
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
10,500
Name:
Concordia University Chicago
City:
River Forest
State:
IL
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
5,300
Healthcare
Bellwood residents benefit from access to major medical centers like Loyola University Medical Center and Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in nearby towns. With over 92% of the population covered by health insurance and 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare services are readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Loyola University Medical Center
Address:
2160 S 1st Ave, Maywood, IL 60153
Phone:
(888) 584-7888
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Westlake Hospital (Closed 2019, nearest alternative: Gottlieb Memorial Hospital)
Address:
701 W North Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60160
Phone:
(708) 681-3200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.3%
Health Care Index:
69.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bellwood, IL?
Bellwood’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $200,800 and a strong rate of owner occupancy at nearly 64%. Home values are appreciating, and rental options remain available with a vacancy rate just over 8%.
Median Home Price:
$200,800
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,260
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Bellwood are conveniently located in Melrose Park at the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility. Residents can handle licensing, registration, and other vehicle needs nearby or online through the state website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
1903 N Mannheim Rd, Melrose Park, IL 60160
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.