Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Evanston, IL
Considering Evanston, IL for your next move? This vibrant city of 77,000 offers a blend of historic charm and lively college-town energy, anchored by Northwestern University. Housing costs are above the national average, with a median home price of $455,000 and rent around $1,620, but residents enjoy highly rated schools and abundant amenities. Commute times average 29 minutes, and 17% use public transit. With a low violent crime rate (209 per 100K), plenty of sunny days, and a highly educated population, Evanston attracts families, professionals, and students alike.
Demographics - Evanston, IL
Demographics - Evanston, IL
Evanston is home to about 77,000 residents, creating a vibrant and diverse community with a median age of 36.5 and a population density of 9,600 per square mile. The city features a blend of backgrounds, with nearly 60% identifying as White, 16% as Black, and 9% as Asian, along with a significant portion of non-English speakers at nearly 20%. This diversity contributes to a welcoming, multicultural atmosphere ideal for families and professionals alike.
Population:
77,000
Density:
9,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.5
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
59.4%
Black:
16.1%
Asian:
9.0%
Others:
15.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Evanston, IL?
Evanston’s cost of living is higher than the national average, largely driven by housing costs with a median home value of $455,000 and typical rent around $1,620 per month. Utilities and healthcare remain comparably affordable, while the overall cost of living index sits at 127.5. Residents should also consider Illinois’s flat 4.95% state income tax when budgeting for a move.
Median House Value:
$455,000
Gross Rent:
$1,620
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,800
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
127.5
Grocery:
111.0
Housing:
137.0
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
107.0
Crime
Is Evanston, IL a safe place to live?
Evanston offers a relatively safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 209 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,495 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is low at 1 in 478, helping to foster peace of mind for families and individuals. While property crime is more common, the city’s overall crime index remains manageable for an urban area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
209
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,495
Crime Index:
2,704
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 478
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Evanston, IL year-round?
Evanston experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 17°F and warm summers reaching highs near 83°F. The city enjoys about 57% sunny days annually and receives close to 38 inches of rainfall, providing a pleasant balance for outdoor activities. Residents benefit from distinctive seasonal changes, making it easy to enjoy both winter sports and summer recreation.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Residents of Evanston enjoy a median household income of $86,000 and a family income of $120,000, reflecting a stable and prosperous community. The city boasts a highly educated population, with over 70% holding at least a bachelor's degree, and around 17% of locals regularly use public transportation. Commute times average just under 30 minutes, making it convenient for professionals and commuters.
Median Income:
$46,000
Household Income:
$86,000
Family Income:
$120,000
Per Capita Income:
$54,000
Income Male:
$58,000
Income Female:
$47,000
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
19.8%
Rent:
$1,620
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
17.1%
Commute Time:
29.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.9%
Bachelors or More:
71.5%
Education
How are the schools in Evanston, IL?
Evanston is known for its strong educational offerings, with public schools such as Evanston Township High School and Nichols Middle School noted for their favorable student-teacher ratios and diverse programs. The city is also home to Northwestern University, a premier institution with 22,000 students, and offers additional private and nearby college options. This educational environment makes Evanston attractive for families and lifelong learners alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Evanston Township High School
Street:
1600 Dodge Ave
Phone:
847-424-7000
Students:
3,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Nichols Middle School
Street:
800 Greenleaf St
Phone:
847-859-8660
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Private Schools
Name:
Chiaravalle Montessori School
Street:
425 Dempster St
Phone:
847-864-2190
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Northwestern University
City:
Evanston
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
Oakton College
City:
Des Plaines
State:
IL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
7,500
Healthcare
Evanston offers excellent healthcare access, featuring major hospitals like NorthShore Evanston Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital, both providing emergency services. With 3.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% health insurance coverage, medical care is readily available. The city’s healthcare system is well-regarded, giving residents peace of mind for routine and emergency needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
NorthShore Evanston Hospital
Address:
2650 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Phone:
(847) 570-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saint Francis Hospital
Address:
355 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
Phone:
(847) 316-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.7%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Evanston, IL?
The Evanston housing market features a median home price of $455,000, with approximately 55% of residents owning their homes and average rent for a two-bedroom unit at $1,620. The local market is stable, showing a 3.6% appreciation rate over the past year and a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$455,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,620
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Evanston’s DMV services are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State, conveniently located at 1468 Elmwood Ave. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services in the city or online. For assistance, the DMV can be reached at 1-800-252-8980 or through the official website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - DMV
Address:
1468 Elmwood Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
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.