Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Highwood, IL
Thinking of moving to Highwood, IL? With a welcoming population of around 5,250, Highwood offers a vibrant, diverse community and easy access to the North Shore. Median home prices are about $325,000 and rents average $1,450, while the cost of living remains reasonable for the Chicago suburbs. Residents enjoy low crime rates and a quick 29-minute average commute. With quality local schools, nearby healthcare, and four-season weather, Highwood is a charming, convenient place to call home.
Demographics - Highwood, IL
Demographics - Highwood, IL
Highwood is home to about 5,250 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is notably diverse, with 35% of residents speaking a language other than English and a sizable portion identifying as non-white, contributing to a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
5,250
Density:
6,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
58.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
37.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Highwood, IL?
Highwood's cost of living index is 18% above the national average, with median home values around $325,000 and average rents at $1,450. While housing costs are relatively high for the Chicago suburbs, utility and transportation expenses remain moderate, making it a feasible choice for many families.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
118
Grocery:
110
Housing:
125
Utilities:
105
Transportation:
115
Health Care:
108
Miscellaneous:
104
Crime
Is Highwood, IL a safe place to live?
Highwood boasts a low crime rate, with only 135 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 740 chance of experiencing violent crime, helping residents feel secure. Property crime is also below the national average, supporting a safe, family-friendly environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
135
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,180
Crime Index:
1,315
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 740
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 85
Weather
What is the weather like in Highwood, IL year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons in Highwood, with cold winters dipping to 17°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The area enjoys about 55% sunny days and receives an average of 37 inches of rainfall annually, offering a pleasant mix of sunshine and seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
The community enjoys a median household income of $61,500 and a relatively low poverty rate of 8.2%. With nearly 89% of adults holding at least a high school diploma and an average commute time of 29 minutes, Highwood is a well-educated, accessible suburb ideal for working families.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$61,500
Family Income:
$72,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,250
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
8.2%
Non English Speakers:
35.0%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
6.9%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
28.0%
Education
How are the schools in Highwood, IL?
Highwood families benefit from well-rated public schools like Oak Terrace Elementary and Northwood Junior High, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Private options and local colleges such as Lake Forest College are just minutes away, providing a range of educational opportunities from preschool through higher education.

Public Schools
Name:
Oak Terrace Elementary School
Street:
240 Prairie Ave
Phone:
224-765-3300
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0
Name:
Northwood Junior High School
Street:
945 North Ave
Phone:
224-765-3500
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Private Schools
Name:
Highland Park Montessori School
Street:
1806 Green Bay Rd
Phone:
847-432-7733
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Lake Forest College
City:
Lake Forest
State:
IL
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
1,600
Name:
Oakton College
City:
Des Plaines
State:
IL
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
7,300
Healthcare
Highwood residents have convenient access to major hospitals like Highland Park Hospital and Lake Forest Hospital, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage, healthcare services are both accessible and reliable.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Highland Park Hospital
Address:
777 Park Ave W, Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone:
(847) 432-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lake Forest Hospital
Address:
1000 N Westmoreland Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone:
(847) 234-5600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
76.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Highwood, IL?
The local housing market offers a median home price of $325,000, with about 48% owner occupancy and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,450. Home values have appreciated by 6% in the past year, reflecting steady demand in this attractive suburban community.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Highwood residents are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State at the nearby Elk Grove Village office. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other driver services both in person and online for convenience.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services
Address:
650 Roppolo Dr, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
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.