Moving to Chicago, IL: Everything You Should Know First
Thinking of moving to Chicago, IL? With a population of nearly 2.75 million, Chicago offers big-city culture, diverse neighborhoods, and a vibrant urban lifestyle. The median home price is about $318,000, and rents average $1,350, making housing relatively accessible for a major city. Expect a 34.6-minute average commute, robust public transit, and a bustling job market. While crime rates are higher than the national average, Chicago boasts world-class hospitals and renowned schools, with 41.1% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher. Four distinct seasons and 54% sunny days round out life in the Windy City.
Demographics - Chicago, IL
Population:
2,746,388
Density:
12,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
36.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
33.1%
Black:
28.7%
Asian:
6.9%
Others:
31.3%
Cost Of Living
Median House Value:
$318,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
7.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
107.5
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
98.6
Utilities:
94.5
Transportation:
116.1
Health Care:
100.2
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
943
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,263
Crime Index:
4,206
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 106
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Neighbors
Median Income:
$37,000
Household Income:
$65,781
Family Income:
$76,200
Per Capita Income:
$38,625
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
36.5%

Education
High School or Higher:
85.4%
Bachelors or More:
41.1%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
27.4%
Commute Time:
34.6 minutes
Education

Public Schools
Name:
Walter Payton College Preparatory High School
Street:
1034 N Wells St
Phone:
773-534-0034
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.4
Name:
Jones College Prep High School
Street:
700 S State St
Phone:
773-534-8600
Students:
1,930
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2

Private Schools
Name:
Francis W. Parker School
Street:
330 W Webster Ave
Phone:
773-353-3000
Students:
935

Colleges
Name:
University of Illinois at Chicago
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
34,000
Name:
DePaul University
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare

Major Hospitals
Name:
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Address:
251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone:
(312) 926-2000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Rush University Medical Center
Address:
1653 W Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60612
Phone:
(312) 942-5000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.1%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
Median Home Price:
$318,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Drivers Services
Address:
100 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
Website: