Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Riverdale, IL
Thinking of moving to Riverdale, IL? With a population of about 12,500 and affordable housing—median home prices around $110,000 and rents near $1,150—Riverdale offers budget-friendly living in the Chicago metro area. Commutes average 39 minutes, and public transit is widely used. While the area sees higher crime rates than national averages, residents benefit from nearby hospitals and access to local schools and colleges. Riverdale’s community is predominantly African American, and you’ll experience all four seasons with about 54% sunny days annually.
Demographics - Riverdale, IL
Demographics - Riverdale, IL
Riverdale, IL is home to around 12,500 residents, with a predominantly African American community making up over 90% of the population. The city has a youthful median age of 34 and a high population density, creating a vibrant urban atmosphere. Most residents speak English at home, with only a small percentage speaking other languages.
Population:
12,479
Density:
5,650 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
85 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2.7%
Black:
92.5%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Riverdale, IL?
Riverdale offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at approximately $110,000 and average rents around $1,150. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, especially in housing, making it a budget-friendly option for families and individuals. Utilities and other daily expenses remain reasonable, helping residents keep costs manageable.
Median House Value:
$109,800
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.4
Grocery:
91.2
Housing:
53.9
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
99.1
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Riverdale, IL a safe place to live?
Riverdale experiences higher crime rates compared to national averages, with a 1 in 81 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 36 chance for property crime. While these rates may be a concern for some, staying informed and taking common safety precautions is recommended. Community vigilance and local law enforcement work together to address safety issues.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,235
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,760
Crime Index:
3,995
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 81
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Riverdale, IL year-round?
Residents in Riverdale enjoy all four seasons, with chilly winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm summers peaking at 84°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Local households in Riverdale typically have a median income of about $38,750, though the area faces higher poverty and unemployment rates than the national average. Education levels are moderate, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma, and nearly one in five residents use public transportation for their average 39-minute commute. The community values resilience and connectivity, with many families renting their homes.
Median Income:
$32,100
Household Income:
$38,750
Family Income:
$42,400
Per Capita Income:
$18,200
Income Male:
$29,800
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
31.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.3%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
10.8%
Public Transport Usage:
17.8%
Commute Time:
38.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
78.5%
Bachelors or More:
10.9%
Education
How are the schools in Riverdale, IL?
Riverdale offers a range of educational opportunities, including public and private schools with manageable student-teacher ratios, and access to nearby colleges such as South Suburban College and Chicago State University. The community places importance on education, supporting both young students and adult learners. Families benefit from local school options and higher education within a short drive.
Public Schools
Name:
Riverdale School
Street:
325 W 142nd St
Phone:
708-841-2200
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Gen George Patton School
Street:
13700 S Stewart Ave
Phone:
708-849-5555
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Ghost Catholic School
Street:
700 E 170th St
Phone:
708-389-3052
Students:
160
Colleges
Name:
South Suburban College
City:
South Holland
State:
IL
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
8,700
Name:
Chicago State University
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Riverdale residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Ingalls Memorial and Advocate South Suburban Hospital nearby. There are about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 91% of residents have health insurance coverage. The healthcare system is robust, providing essential services including emergency care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ingalls Memorial Hospital
Address:
1 Ingalls Dr, Harvey, IL 60426
Phone:
(708) 333-2300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Advocate South Suburban Hospital
Address:
17800 S Kedzie Ave, Hazel Crest, IL 60429
Phone:
(708) 799-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
69.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Riverdale, IL?
Riverdale’s housing market is attractive for buyers and renters alike, with median home prices around $110,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,150. About half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees modest home appreciation, making it ideal for those seeking affordable entry into the housing market. Rental vacancies are slightly above average, providing options for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$109,800
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.6%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services through the Illinois Secretary of State Facility located nearby in Chicago. The office provides licensing, registration, and other essential motor vehicle services, and information is readily available on the Illinois Secretary of State’s official website. This makes handling driving and vehicle needs straightforward for Riverdale locals.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Facility
Address:
9901 S Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Chicago, IL 60628
Phone:
312-793-1010
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.