Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Machesney Park, IL
Considering a move to Machesney Park, IL? With around 23,000 residents, this friendly suburb offers affordable living—median home prices are just $170,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times are a short 22 minutes on average, and the crime rate remains low compared to national averages. The area features highly rated public schools, a high homeownership rate, and four-season Midwest weather with 52% sunny days, making it a great choice for families and individuals seeking value and comfort.
Demographics - Machesney Park, IL
Demographics - Machesney Park, IL
Machesney Park is home to nearly 23,000 residents, with a population density of about 2,100 people per square mile and a median age of 40. The community is predominantly White at 88%, with a balanced gender ratio and a small but notable proportion of non-English speakers. Its stable and diverse demographics offer a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
22,950
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
88.0%
Black:
3.4%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
7.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Machesney Park, IL?
Living in Machesney Park is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index significantly below the U.S. average and median home values around $170,000. Residents benefit from reasonable rent and utility costs, as well as flat state income tax rates. Overall, the area offers affordability without sacrificing access to essential amenities.
Median House Value:
$170,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,280
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$515
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.0
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
66.5
Utilities:
98.8
Transportation:
93.1
Health Care:
96.7
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Machesney Park, IL a safe place to live?
Machesney Park enjoys a lower-than-average crime rate, with violent crime affecting roughly 1 in 513 residents and property crime at 1 in 68. The community’s overall safety profile makes it an attractive place for families and individuals seeking peace of mind. Local law enforcement presence helps maintain a secure atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
195
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,480
Crime Index:
1,675
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 513
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Machesney Park, IL year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 15°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area receives about 36 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 52% of the year. This Midwest climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
The typical household in Machesney Park earns about $68,500 annually, with a family median income of $82,000 and a poverty rate under 9%. Most residents commute about 22 minutes to work, and public transport use is minimal. The neighborhood’s strong educational attainment and low unemployment support a stable community.
Median Income:
$36,400
Household Income:
$68,500
Family Income:
$82,000
Per Capita Income:
$31,800
Income Male:
$47,500
Income Female:
$36,100
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
5.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
19.7%
Education
How are the schools in Machesney Park, IL?
Families benefit from highly rated public schools like Harlem High School and Machesney Elementary, with student-teacher ratios promoting personalized learning. Several private schools and access to local colleges, including Rock Valley College just 7 miles away, offer diverse educational opportunities. The area’s emphasis on education makes it ideal for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Harlem High School
Street:
1 Huskie Cir
Phone:
815-654-4510
Students:
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Machesney Elementary School
Street:
8615 North Second St
Phone:
815-654-4665
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5

Private Schools
Name:
Rockford Christian Schools
Street:
1401 N Bell School Rd
Phone:
815-391-8000
Students:
1,200

Colleges
Name:
Rock Valley College
City:
Rockford
State:
IL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
7,700
Name:
Northern Illinois University
City:
DeKalb
State:
IL
Distance:
43 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Machesney Park residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Rockford, such as OSF Saint Anthony and SwedishAmerican, both offering emergency services. Healthcare coverage is high, with over 92% insured and a solid ratio of physicians per capita. The area provides reliable healthcare options for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
Address:
5666 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108
Phone:
(815) 226-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital
Address:
1401 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Phone:
(779) 696-4400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
72.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Machesney Park, IL?
The housing market in Machesney Park is accessible, with median home prices at $170,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $1,050. A high owner-occupancy rate of over 77% reflects a stable, invested community. Modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates make it a sound choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$170,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can handle driver and vehicle services at the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in nearby Rockford. The facility offers comprehensive DMV services and information both in person and online. Access is straightforward for new arrivals looking to update licenses or registrations.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
3720 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108
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.