Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chicago, IL
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
Demographics - Chicago, IL
Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural city of nearly 2.75 million residents, with a median age of 35.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is diverse, with significant White, Black, Asian, and other communities, and over a third of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its urban density and cultural mix make Chicago dynamic and welcoming to newcomers.
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
What is the average cost of living in Chicago, IL?
The cost of living in Chicago is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 107.5. Median home values are around $318,000, and average rents are $1,350, offering relatively affordable options for a major metropolitan area. Utilities and groceries are close to national costs, while transportation expenses are higher due to the city's urban setting.
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
State Taxes:
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
Is Chicago, IL a safe place to live?
Chicago experiences higher crime rates compared to the national average, with a chance of violent crime at about 1 in 106 and property crime at 1 in 31. While some neighborhoods are safer than others, residents should stay aware and take common-sense precautions. The city continues to invest in public safety and community initiatives.
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
What is the weather like in Chicago, IL year-round?
Chicago features four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows near 19°F and warm summers reaching highs in the mid-80s. The city receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. Residents should be prepared for seasonal weather changes, from snowy winters to pleasant, mild falls and springs.
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
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Chicago's neighborhoods are diverse in income and culture, with a median household income of $65,781 and a poverty rate of 17.2%. Public transportation is widely used, and average commutes are about 35 minutes. Education levels are high, with over 41% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree, and over a third speak languages other than English at home.
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%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
27.4%
Commute Time:
34.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.4%
Bachelors or More:
41.1%
Education
How are the schools in Chicago, IL?
Chicago is home to a robust educational system, including top-rated public and private schools and renowned universities like University of Illinois at Chicago and DePaul University. Around 41% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting strong local access to quality education at all levels. Families benefit from a range of schooling options and resources across the city.
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
Chicago offers access to top-tier healthcare with major hospitals like Northwestern Memorial and Rush University Medical Center. The city has a high physician density (3.2 per 1,000 residents) and 90.1% of people have health insurance coverage. Quality healthcare services and emergency care are readily available throughout the city.
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
What is the housing market like in Chicago, IL?
Chicago's housing market is relatively accessible, with a median home price of $318,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,350. About 44% of homes are owner-occupied, and the city saw a 4.3% home appreciation rate over the past year. Rental vacancies and foreclosure rates remain moderate, reflecting a stable urban 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
Chicago residents handle driver and vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State's office located downtown. Services such as licensing, registration, and renewals are available in person or online at the state DMV website. Newcomers will find the process straightforward and convenient.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Drivers Services
Address:
100 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601
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.