Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Merchandise Mart, IL
Thinking of working or living near Merchandise Mart in Chicago, IL? Situated in the heart of downtown, this vibrant area offers urban living with a median home price of $320,000 and average rents around $2,150 for a two-bedroom. Expect a dynamic city lifestyle with a high public transit rate, diverse demographics, and a range of top-rated schools and hospitals nearby. While crime rates are higher than the national average, the area boasts a bustling atmosphere, plentiful amenities, and easy access to Chicago’s renowned cultural, dining, and business scenes.
Demographics - Merchandise Mart, IL
Demographics - Merchandise Mart, IL
Merchandise Mart is located in downtown Chicago, where the city’s population of around 2.7 million brings together a diverse community with a median age of 35 and a strong blend of cultures. The area is densely populated, reflecting Chicago’s urban energy, and nearly 36% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
Not applicable (part of Chicago, which has ~2,700,000 residents)
Density:
Chicago: 11,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
32.4%
Black:
28.7%
Asian:
6.9%
Others:
32.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Merchandise Mart, IL?
Living near Merchandise Mart means experiencing a moderately high cost of living, with a median home value of $320,000 and average rents around $2,150 for a two-bedroom apartment. Expenses like utilities, transportation, and groceries are above the national average, consistent with the convenience and amenities of central Chicago.
Median House Value:
$320,000 (Chicago city median)
Gross Rent:
$2,150 (Downtown/Loop estimate)
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$800
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95% (flat income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
123.1
Grocery:
102.5
Housing:
133.4
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
130.8
Health Care:
108.4
Miscellaneous:
107.0
Crime
Is Merchandise Mart, IL a safe place to live?
The area surrounding Merchandise Mart has a higher crime rate than the national average, with about 910 violent crimes and 3,200 property crimes per 100,000 residents citywide. While urban living brings vibrant activity and convenience, new residents should stay aware of safety measures common to big cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
910 (Chicago city avg)
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,200
Crime Index:
4,110
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 110
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Merchandise Mart, IL year-round?
Downtown Chicago experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm summers peaking near 85°F. The city gets about 38.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny weather about 53% of the year, making it important to prepare for both brisk winters and pleasant summers.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Residents near Merchandise Mart enjoy the benefits of downtown living, with a median household income around $65,000 and access to strong public transit used by 27% of commuters. The area is educated, with over 41% holding bachelor’s degrees or higher, and offers a dynamic urban lifestyle with a diverse mix of neighbors.
Median Income:
$36,000 (Loop/downtown estimate)
Household Income:
$65,000 (Chicago median)
Family Income:
$80,000
Per Capita Income:
$44,000
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$42,000
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
35.5%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Public Transport Usage:
27.0%
Commute Time:
36.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.1%
Bachelors or More:
41.5%
Education
How are the schools in Merchandise Mart, IL?
Families in the Merchandise Mart area benefit from access to highly rated public and private schools, including Ogden International and Skinner North, as well as nearby prestigious colleges like DePaul University and Illinois Institute of Technology. The community’s strong educational resources support students from kindergarten through university.
Public Schools
Name:
Ogden International School of Chicago
Street:
24 W Walton St
Phone:
773-534-0866
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Name:
Skinner North Classical School
Street:
640 W Scott St
Phone:
773-534-8500
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Private Schools
Name:
Francis W. Parker School
Street:
330 W Webster Ave
Phone:
773-353-3000
Students:
940
Colleges
Name:
Illinois Institute of Technology
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Distance:
3.5 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
DePaul University
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Distance:
2.0 miles
Students:
22,400
Healthcare
The Merchandise Mart neighborhood is served by top hospitals like Northwestern Memorial and Rush University Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency and specialty care. With about 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high rate of insurance coverage, healthcare access is robust and reliable.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Address:
251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone:
(312) 926-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Rush University Medical Center
Address:
1653 W Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60612
Phone:
(312) 942-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Merchandise Mart, IL?
The local housing market features a median home price of $320,000 and average rents of $2,150 for a two-bedroom, reflecting strong demand in this central location. About 44% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees steady home appreciation and ample rental options.
Median Home Price:
$320,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
For driver and vehicle services, residents can visit the Illinois Secretary of State facility at 100 W Randolph St in downtown Chicago or access resources online at ilsos.gov. The DMV provides convenient services for licensing, registration, and state IDs close to Merchandise Mart.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services
Address:
Secretary of State Facility, 100 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
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.