Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palos Heights, IL
Considering a move to Palos Heights, IL? This friendly suburb of 12,545 residents offers a relaxed pace, with median home prices around $335,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $1,350. Crime rates are very low—violent crime is just 63 per 100K—and residents enjoy short 33.5-minute commutes. With top-rated schools, a high rate of college-educated adults, and nearly 53% sunny days per year, Palos Heights is a great fit for those seeking a safe, community-focused lifestyle near Chicago.
Demographics - Palos Heights, IL
Demographics - Palos Heights, IL
Palos Heights is home to about 12,545 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 48.2, reflecting a mature and settled community. The city is fairly dense at 2,900 people per square mile, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is balanced, offering a welcoming environment for families and individuals alike.
Population:
12,545
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
1.4%
Asian:
3.8%
Others:
5.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palos Heights, IL?
Living in Palos Heights comes with a cost of living index of 107.8, slightly above the national average, largely due to housing costs with a median home value of $335,000 and average rent of $1,350 for a two-bedroom. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, and Illinois's flat state income tax rate of 4.95% helps keep taxes predictable. Overall, residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with manageable expenses compared to nearby Chicago suburbs.
Median House Value:
$335,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
107.8
Grocery:
102.9
Housing:
110.5
Utilities:
98.6
Transportation:
105.2
Health Care:
109.1
Miscellaneous:
99.4
Crime
Is Palos Heights, IL a safe place to live?
Palos Heights boasts a notably low crime rate, with just 63 violent crimes and 497 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Your chance of encountering violent crime is 1 in 1,587, making this city one of the safer communities in the region. The peaceful atmosphere contributes to its strong appeal for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
63
Property Crimes Per 100k:
497
Crime Index:
560
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,587
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 201
Weather
What is the weather like in Palos Heights, IL year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 84°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The city enjoys 53% sunny days and receives about 38.5 inches of rainfall annually, providing a balanced climate for outdoor activities. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, making Palos Heights pleasant throughout much of the year.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Palos Heights is a thriving suburb with a median household income of $90,600 and a low poverty rate of 4.1%. The community is highly educated, with 45.8% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and most residents enjoy a reasonable commute of about 33.5 minutes. Neighborly spirit and economic stability make this city welcoming for newcomers.
Median Income:
$44,800
Household Income:
$90,600
Family Income:
$112,500
Per Capita Income:
$49,450
Income Male:
$60,000
Income Female:
$42,000
Poverty Rate:
4.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
6.8%
Commute Time:
33.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.3%
Bachelors or More:
45.8%
Education
How are the schools in Palos Heights, IL?
Families in Palos Heights benefit from highly rated public and private schools, with favorable student-teacher ratios around 13:1. Trinity Christian College is located within city limits, and Moraine Valley Community College is just a short drive away, supporting a strong culture of lifelong learning. The city’s educational options prepare students for success at every stage.

Public Schools
Name:
Palos East Elementary School
Street:
7700 W College Dr
Phone:
708-448-1084
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Independence Junior High School
Street:
6610 W Highland Dr
Phone:
708-448-0737
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9

Private Schools
Name:
St. Alexander School
Street:
126th St & 71st Ave
Phone:
708-448-0408
Students:
260

Colleges
Name:
Trinity Christian College
City:
Palos Heights
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
Moraine Valley Community College
City:
Palos Hills
State:
IL
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is a highlight in Palos Heights, with major hospitals like Palos Hospital – Northwestern Medicine located right in town. There are 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 96.1%, ensuring comprehensive care for families and individuals. The city’s healthcare services provide peace of mind for residents of all ages.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Palos Hospital – Northwestern Medicine
Address:
12251 S. 80th Ave, Palos Heights, IL 60463
Phone:
(708) 923-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Advocate Christ Medical Center
Address:
4440 W 95th St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Phone:
(708) 684-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.1%
Health Care Index:
76.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palos Heights, IL?
Palos Heights features a stable housing market, with a median home price of $335,000 and an owner-occupied rate exceeding 91%. Home values have appreciated by 3.8% in the past year, reflecting steady demand, while average rent for a two-bedroom is $1,350. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates make it a secure place to invest in property.
Median Home Price:
$335,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
91.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Driver Services Facility, conveniently located in nearby Chicago. Residents can access all essential licensing and vehicle registration services, either in person or online. The DMV ensures smooth processes for new arrivals and long-time locals alike.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State — Driver Services Facility
Address:
9901 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Chicago, IL 60628
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.