Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Highland Park, IL
Highland Park, IL is a vibrant North Shore suburb with a population of around 29,800 and outstanding public schools. The city features a higher cost of living and a median home price of $635,000, balanced by high median household incomes and a low crime rate—just 51 violent crimes per 100K residents. Residents enjoy a 32-minute average commute, access to quality healthcare, and a scenic climate with 54% sunny days each year. With top-tier education options and family-friendly amenities, Highland Park is an excellent choice for those seeking a safe, well-resourced community.
Demographics - Highland Park, IL
Demographics - Highland Park, IL
Highland Park is home to about 29,800 residents, with a mature median age of 48.2 and a population density of 2,700 per square mile. The city is predominantly White (85%) with a notable 13% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, contributing to a welcoming and diverse community.
Population:
29,800
Density:
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
5.3%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Highland Park, IL?
The cost of living in Highland Park is notably higher than the national average, reflected in a median home value of $635,000 and a cost of living index of 139.6. Residents can expect higher housing and rental costs but benefit from strong local amenities and services.
Median House Value:
$635,000
Gross Rent:
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,150
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
7.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
139.6
Grocery:
109.8
Housing:
177.4
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
114.5
Health Care:
105.3
Miscellaneous:
101.4
Crime
Is Highland Park, IL a safe place to live?
Highland Park offers a safe environment, with a low violent crime rate of just 51 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 533 per 100,000. The community’s strong safety record makes it especially appealing for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
51
Property Crimes Per 100k:
533
Crime Index:
584
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,961
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 187
Weather
What is the weather like in Highland Park, IL year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with mild summers averaging highs of 82°F and cold winters that dip to 17°F. The city enjoys 54% sunny days annually and receives about 37 inches of rainfall, creating a pleasant balance of sunshine and precipitation.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Highland Park is an affluent community with a median household income of $153,300 and a low poverty rate of 4.2%. Most adults are highly educated—over 73% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—and the average commute is just over 32 minutes, reflecting both prosperity and convenience.
Median Income:
$58,500
Household Income:
$153,300
Family Income:
$189,000
Per Capita Income:
$89,200
Income Male:
$105,000
Income Female:
$61,000
Poverty Rate:
4.2%
Non English Speakers:
13.4%
Rent:
$2,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
8.3%
Commute Time:
32.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.1%
Bachelors or More:
73.9%
Education
How are the schools in Highland Park, IL?
Families benefit from highly rated public schools like Highland Park High School, which boasts a low student-teacher ratio, as well as private education options. Nearby colleges such as Lake Forest College offer accessible higher education within a short drive.

Public Schools
Name:
Highland Park High School
Street:
433 Vine Ave
Phone:
224-765-2000
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Name:
Indian Trail Elementary School
Street:
2075 St Johns Ave
Phone:
224-765-3500
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. James School
Street:
140 North Ave
Phone:
847-432-2274
Students:
220

Colleges
Name:
Lake Forest College
City:
Lake Forest
State:
IL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
1,700
Name:
Oakton College
City:
Des Plaines
State:
IL
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
7,400
Healthcare
The city is well-served by major healthcare providers, including NorthShore Highland Park Hospital, and boasts an impressive 96% health insurance coverage rate. With 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and comprehensive emergency services, residents have excellent access to medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
NorthShore Highland Park Hospital
Address:
777 Park Ave W, Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone:
(847) 432-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Advocate Condell Medical Center
Address:
801 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048
Phone:
(847) 362-2900
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.2%
Health Care Index:
77.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Highland Park, IL?
Highland Park’s housing market is robust, with a median home price of $635,000 and 77.5% of homes owner-occupied. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year, and the rental market remains stable with moderate vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$635,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Highland Park residents access driver and vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State DMV, with the nearest location in Chicago. Essential DMV information is available online, making vehicle registration and licensing straightforward.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State DMV
Address:
5401 N. Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
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.