Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cary, IL
Considering a move to Cary, IL? This welcoming community of 17,826 offers affordable living, with a median home price around $315,000 and average rents near $1,340. Cary is known for its excellent schools, low crime rates (just 72 violent crimes per 100k), and high educational attainment. Residents enjoy a reasonable 34-minute average commute, four-season climate, and easy access to quality healthcare, making Cary a great pick for families or anyone seeking suburban comfort with strong amenities.
Demographics - Cary, IL
Cary, Illinois is a suburban community of approximately 17,800 residents, featuring a balanced gender ratio and a median age around 39. The population is predominantly White, with a modest proportion of non-English speakers (about 11%), reflecting a family-friendly and moderately diverse atmosphere. The population density offers a comfortable suburban feel without the congestion of larger cities.
Population:
17,826
Density:
2,520 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
84.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
12.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cary, IL?
Cary offers a slightly above-average cost of living, with a median home price near $315,000 and typical rents around $1,340. Utilities and groceries are on par with national averages, while local taxes remain steady at 4.95%. Overall, Cary provides affordable options for both renters and homeowners in a suburban setting.
Median House Value:
$315,000
Gross Rent:
$1,340
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$725
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.8
Grocery:
98.7
Housing:
101.2
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
106.9
Health Care:
99.2
Miscellaneous:
101.6
Crime
Is Cary, IL a safe place to live?
Cary is considered a safe community, with a notably low violent crime rate of 72 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 1,390 chance of being affected. Property crime is also relatively low, contributing to Cary’s reputation as a secure place for families and individuals alike. These rates are well below national averages, offering peace of mind to residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
72
Property Crimes Per 100k:
647
Crime Index:
719
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,390
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 155
Weather
What is the weather like in Cary, IL year-round?
Residents in Cary experience all four seasons, with cold winters dropping to around 14°F and warm summers reaching up to 84°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 53% of the year. This climate supports diverse outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Cary’s residents enjoy a strong median household income of $111,200 and a low poverty rate of 4.1%. The community is highly educated, with over 96% holding at least a high school diploma and nearly 43% earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average about 34 minutes, reflecting Cary’s convenient access to surrounding employment centers.
Median Income:
$46,400
Household Income:
$111,200
Family Income:
$126,500
Per Capita Income:
$43,800
Income Male:
$61,300
Income Female:
$46,900
Poverty Rate:
4.1%
Non English Speakers:
10.7%
Rent:
$1,340
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
7.8%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.4%
Bachelors or More:
42.8%
Education
How are the schools in Cary, IL?
Cary is served by well-regarded public and private schools, including Cary-Grove High School and SS. Peter and Paul Catholic School. Higher education options are close by, with McHenry County College just six miles away and Elgin Community College within easy reach, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development. The area’s strong school performance and access to colleges contribute to its appeal for families.

Public Schools
Name:
Cary-Grove High School
Street:
2208 Three Oaks Rd
Phone:
847-639-3825
Students:
1,550
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Deer Path Elementary School
Street:
2211 Crystal Lake Rd
Phone:
224-357-5350
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8

Private Schools
Name:
SS. Peter and Paul Catholic School
Street:
416 N First St
Phone:
847-639-3041
Students:
185

Colleges
Name:
McHenry County College
City:
Crystal Lake
State:
IL
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
7,900
Name:
Elgin Community College
City:
Elgin
State:
IL
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
9,700
Healthcare
Cary residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital nearby. The community has a solid physician presence (2.2 per 1,000 people) and high health insurance coverage at 95%. These amenities ensure quality medical care is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital
Address:
4201 Medical Center Dr, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone:
(815) 344-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Address:
450 W Highway 22, Barrington, IL 60010
Phone:
(847) 381-9600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
78.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cary, IL?
The Cary housing market features a median home price of $315,000 and high owner-occupancy at over 91%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $1,340, and the area sees steady home appreciation and a very low foreclosure rate. This stability makes Cary appealing to both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,340
Owner Occupied Rate:
91.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Cary can access driver and vehicle services at the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility located in nearby Crystal Lake. The facility provides all standard DMV services, and information is available on the official Illinois Secretary of State website. Its convenient location and comprehensive offerings make handling licensing and registration straightforward.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
428 S. Main Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone:
(815) 338-5611
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.