Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Harwood Heights, IL
Considering a move to Harwood Heights, IL? This compact city of 8,635 offers a friendly, close-knit vibe with affordable housing—median home prices around $329,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $1,230. Residents enjoy reasonable commute times (about 30 minutes), low violent crime rates (126 per 100K), and easy access to schools and healthcare. With a diverse community, above-average homeownership, and classic Midwestern weather, Harwood Heights makes suburban living near Chicago both practical and welcoming.
Demographics - Harwood Heights, IL
Demographics - Harwood Heights, IL
Harwood Heights is home to 8,635 residents, featuring a dense, tight-knit community with a median age of 45.6 years. The population is predominantly White, but also includes a notable Asian presence and a significant portion of non-English speakers, reflecting the area's cultural diversity. This balanced mix of ages and backgrounds creates a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
8,635
Density:
8,230 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.6
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
36.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
75.1%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
11.5%
Others:
12.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Harwood Heights, IL?
Living in Harwood Heights comes with a cost of living index of 112, slightly above the national average, mainly due to housing costs. The median home value stands at $329,000, and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,230, making it a relatively affordable option compared to many Chicago suburbs. Utilities, groceries, and other essentials are moderately priced, supporting a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$329,000
Gross Rent:
$1,230
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$740
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.0
Grocery:
105.5
Housing:
118.9
Utilities:
104.7
Transportation:
110.2
Health Care:
98.6
Miscellaneous:
100.1
Crime
Is Harwood Heights, IL a safe place to live?
Harwood Heights enjoys a low violent crime rate, with just 126 incidents per 100,000 residents, providing a sense of safety for families and individuals alike. Property crime is also relatively low, giving the city a secure, peaceful atmosphere. Residents benefit from crime rates that are notably below national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
126
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,176
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 793
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Harwood Heights, IL year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The city sees about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 54% of the year. This classic Midwestern climate offers a mix of crisp winters and pleasant, sunny summer days.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Local households in Harwood Heights earn a median income of $65,370, with a poverty rate of just 7.1%. The community values education—over 86% of residents have at least a high school diploma—and commute times average around 30 minutes, making it convenient for those working in and around Chicago. The area is culturally diverse, with over a third of neighbors speaking a language other than English at home.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$65,370
Family Income:
$77,000
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$40,500
Income Female:
$35,100
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
36.3%
Rent:
$1,230
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
14.2%
Commute Time:
30.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.5%
Bachelors or More:
25.6%
Education
How are the schools in Harwood Heights, IL?
Families in Harwood Heights benefit from well-rated public and private schools, including Pennoyer Elementary and St. Monica Academy. The city is also close to higher education options like Wilbur Wright College and Oakton College, both within a short drive. This educational variety supports students of all ages and needs.

Public Schools
Name:
Pennoyer Elementary School
Street:
5200 N Cumberland Ave
Phone:
708-456-9094
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6

Private Schools
Name:
St. Monica Academy
Street:
5115 N. Mont Clare Ave
Phone:
773-631-7880
Students:
280

Colleges
Name:
Wilbur Wright College
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
8,200
Name:
Oakton College
City:
Des Plaines
State:
IL
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Harwood Heights residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like AMITA Health Resurrection Medical Center located nearby. The area boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 92.7% and 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring medical services are readily available. Emergency care and general medical facilities are both within easy reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
AMITA Health Resurrection Medical Center Chicago
Address:
7435 W Talcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60631
Phone:
(773) 774-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Community First Medical Center
Address:
5645 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60634
Phone:
(773) 282-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
70.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Harwood Heights, IL?
The housing market in Harwood Heights is stable, with a median home price of $329,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 76.5%. Home values have appreciated modestly over the past year, and rental options remain accessible, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,230. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate a healthy, well-maintained residential community.
Median Home Price:
$329,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,230
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Driver services for Harwood Heights residents are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in nearby Chicago. This DMV offers a full range of licensing and registration services and can be reached by phone or online for appointments and information. Access is convenient for local drivers seeking routine vehicle or license needs.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
5301 W Lexington St, Chicago, IL 60644
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.