Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Bluff, IL
Considering a move to Lake Bluff, IL? This welcoming village of 5,600 offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with top-rated public schools and a high educational attainment rate (77% with bachelor’s degrees or higher). Home values are higher than average at $680,000, with rents around $2,200, but crime rates are remarkably low and the community boasts strong incomes and a low poverty rate. Enjoy a blend of small-town charm, easy Lake Michigan access, a short 30-minute commute to Chicago, and four-season weather with plenty of sunny days.
Demographics - Lake Bluff, IL
Demographics - Lake Bluff, IL
Lake Bluff is a small, close-knit village with a population of about 5,600, mostly White, and a median age of 46.3 years. The community is balanced in gender and features a family-friendly atmosphere, with only 7.5% speaking a non-English language at home.
Population:
5,616
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.3
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.0%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
3.9%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake Bluff, IL?
Living in Lake Bluff comes with a higher cost of living, driven primarily by a median home value of $680,000 and average rents around $2,200. While housing is the biggest expense, utilities and other essentials are in line with national averages, and Illinois’ flat state income tax is 4.95%.
Median House Value:
$680,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,500
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,200
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
137.0
Grocery:
110.5
Housing:
180.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
112.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Lake Bluff, IL a safe place to live?
Lake Bluff is a very safe community, with exceptionally low rates of violent crime—just 41 incidents per 100,000—and a low chance of property crime, making it ideal for families and those seeking peace of mind. Residents enjoy a sense of security rarely found in suburban Chicago.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
41
Property Crimes Per 100k:
520
Crime Index:
561
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,400
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 192
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake Bluff, IL year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging 16–32°F, warm summers reaching up to 82°F, and comfortable spring and fall temperatures. The area enjoys about 54% sunny days annually and receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall, supporting lush greenery.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Lake Bluff's residents are highly educated, with over 77% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and median household incomes exceeding $181,000. The community boasts a low poverty rate of 2.5% and an average commute time of just over 30 minutes, reflecting both affluence and convenience.
Median Income:
$72,000
Household Income:
$181,250
Family Income:
$210,000
Per Capita Income:
$83,000
Income Male:
$110,000
Income Female:
$78,000
Poverty Rate:
2.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
10.2%
Commute Time:
30.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
99.4%
Bachelors or More:
77.3%
Education
How are the schools in Lake Bluff, IL?
Families benefit from excellent public schools with low student-teacher ratios, as well as private options like Forest Bluff School. Nearby colleges, including Lake Forest College, provide higher education opportunities within a short drive.

Public Schools
Name:
Lake Bluff Elementary School
Street:
350 W Washington Ave
Phone:
847-234-9405
Students:
425
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Lake Bluff Middle School
Street:
31 E Sheridan Pl
Phone:
847-234-9407
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7

Private Schools
Name:
Forest Bluff School
Street:
8 W Scranton Ave
Phone:
847-295-8338
Students:
150

Colleges
Name:
Lake Forest College
City:
Lake Forest
State:
IL
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
1,700
Name:
College of Lake County
City:
Grayslake
State:
IL
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Lake Bluff is robust, with 97% of residents insured and access to Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital nearby. The area features a high physician-to-population ratio, ensuring quality medical care is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Northwestern Medicine 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:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake Bluff, IL?
The housing market in Lake Bluff is strong, with a median home price of $680,000 and 88% owner occupancy. Home values have appreciated in the past year, and rental options are available but limited, reflecting the area’s desirability and stability.
Median Home Price:
$680,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
88.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Lake Bluff residents are served by the Illinois Secretary of State DMV in Elk Grove Village, offering comprehensive vehicle and licensing services. The DMV is accessible and provides online resources for added convenience.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State DMV
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.