Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chatham, IL
Chatham, IL is a friendly, family-oriented town of about 13,500 residents, known for its safe neighborhoods and top-rated schools. With a median home price around $235,000 and average rents near $1,100, the cost of living is comfortably below national averages. Residents enjoy an easy 21-minute average commute, low crime rates, and plenty of sunny days. Excellent public schools and proximity to Springfield’s hospitals and colleges make Chatham a great choice for those seeking suburban charm with city amenities nearby.
Demographics - Chatham, IL
Demographics - Chatham, IL
Chatham, Illinois is home to approximately 13,500 residents, with a population density of 2,100 per square mile and a median age of 39. The community is predominantly White, with small percentages of Black, Asian, and other groups, and maintains a balanced gender ratio. The area features a family-friendly atmosphere with a small proportion of non-English speakers, reflecting a cohesive and welcoming environment.
Population:
13,500
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.0
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chatham, IL?
Chatham offers a cost of living that is notably below the national average, with a median home value of $235,000 and average rent around $1,100. Utilities and groceries are affordable, and state income tax is a flat 4.95%. Residents benefit from reasonable housing and daily expenses, making it an appealing option for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$235,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,500
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
79.2
Utilities:
96.5
Transportation:
97.4
Health Care:
95.1
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Chatham, IL a safe place to live?
Chatham is considered a safe community, with a violent crime rate significantly lower than national norms at just 88 incidents per 100,000 residents. The property crime rate remains modest as well, giving residents a strong sense of security. Most newcomers will appreciate the low risk of crime in daily life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
88
Property Crimes Per 100k:
640
Crime Index:
728
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,136
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 156
Weather
What is the weather like in Chatham, IL year-round?
The town experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 20°F and warm summers reaching up to 88°F. Chatham receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 60% of the year, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Residents can expect comfortable springs and falls with moderate temperatures.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in Chatham enjoy a robust median income of $91,200 and a low poverty rate of 5.8%. The community is highly educated, with 97.5% of adults having completed high school and 43% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and the area boasts a low unemployment rate, underscoring its stability and comfort.
Median Income:
$50,000
Household Income:
$91,200
Family Income:
$105,000
Per Capita Income:
$38,500
Income Male:
$57,000
Income Female:
$46,500
Poverty Rate:
5.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
43.0%
Education
How are the schools in Chatham, IL?
Families in Chatham benefit from well-regarded public schools such as Chatham Glenwood High School, which offer favorable student-teacher ratios. Private and parochial options are also available, and higher education institutions like the University of Illinois Springfield are just a short drive away. The area’s educational resources make it ideal for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Chatham Glenwood High School
Street:
1501 E. Plummer Blvd
Phone:
217-483-2424
Students:
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Glenwood Intermediate School
Street:
465 Chatham Rd
Phone:
217-483-1183
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Private Schools
Name:
Good Shepherd Lutheran School
Street:
3425 E. Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL
Phone:
217-793-3933
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
University of Illinois Springfield
City:
Springfield
State:
IL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
4,500
Name:
Lincoln Land Community College
City:
Springfield
State:
IL
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
4,950
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Springfield, including Springfield Memorial and HSHS St. John’s, both providing emergency services. Health insurance coverage is high at 93.5%, and the area supports 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people. This ensures quality medical care is readily available for local families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Springfield Memorial Hospital
Address:
701 N. First St, Springfield, IL 62781
Phone:
(217) 788-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
HSHS St. John's Hospital
Address:
800 E Carpenter St, Springfield, IL 62769
Phone:
(217) 544-6464
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chatham, IL?
The Chatham housing market features a median home price of $235,000 and average rent of $1,100 for a two-bedroom, making homeownership accessible for many. Owner-occupancy is high at 82.5%, and the market is stable with low vacancy and foreclosure rates. Modest appreciation and new construction support a balanced, healthy real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$235,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Chatham residents are served by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility located in nearby Springfield. This DMV offers comprehensive licensing and vehicle registration services, with more information available on the state’s official website. The convenient location ensures easy access for all local drivers.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility
Address:
1650 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL 62704
Phone:
217-782-6212
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.