Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Westchester, IL
Thinking of relocating to Westchester, IL? This welcoming suburb of around 16,900 residents offers affordable median home prices around $293,000, plus lower-than-average violent crime rates and a strong community of homeowners. With a typical rent of $1,370, quality local schools, and an average commute of 30 minutes, Westchester blends suburban comfort and easy access to Chicago. You'll enjoy four true seasons, reputable healthcare nearby, and a friendly, educated neighborhood—perfect for families and commuters alike.
Demographics - Westchester, IL
Demographics - Westchester, IL
Westchester, IL is home to approximately 16,900 residents with a median age of 45, reflecting a mature and stable community. The population is predominantly White, with notable Black, Asian, and other minority groups, and nearly 18% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This suburb offers a balanced gender ratio and a comfortable population density, making it an inviting place for families and individuals alike.
Population:
16,892
Density:
3,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.3
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.1%
Black:
13.6%
Asian:
3.7%
Others:
10.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Westchester, IL?
Living in Westchester comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average, driven mainly by housing and transportation costs. The median home value is about $293,000, and typical rent is around $1,370, making it an accessible option for both buyers and renters. Utilities and healthcare costs remain close to average, while Illinois' flat state tax rate of 4.95% offers financial predictability.
Median House Value:
$293,000
Gross Rent:
$1,370
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,430
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,090
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$805
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
111.2
Grocery:
106.4
Housing:
99.8
Utilities:
102.3
Transportation:
109.1
Health Care:
98.8
Miscellaneous:
101.5
Crime
Is Westchester, IL a safe place to live?
Westchester experiences a low rate of violent crime, with just 107 incidents per 100,000 residents, providing peace of mind for families and individuals. Property crime is more common but still manageable, with the chance of being affected at about 1 in 95. Overall, the suburb offers a safe and welcoming environment compared to many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
107
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,157
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 934
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Westchester, IL year-round?
Residents of Westchester enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs around 85°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 38.6 inches of annual rainfall and has sunshine on 54% of days, creating a comfortable climate for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall bring mild, pleasant temperatures, making the weather appealing to those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Westchester’s neighborhoods are characterized by strong household incomes, with the median at $80,958 and a relatively low poverty rate of 6.9%. The area is highly educated, with over 93% of adults holding at least a high school diploma and nearly 39% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Residents typically have a 30-minute commute, and about 11% use public transportation, reflecting the suburb's accessibility and convenience.
Median Income:
$55,000
Household Income:
$80,958
Family Income:
$96,700
Per Capita Income:
$41,200
Income Male:
$54,200
Income Female:
$44,000
Poverty Rate:
6.9%
Non English Speakers:
17.8%
Rent:
$1,370
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
11.2%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
38.9%
Education
How are the schools in Westchester, IL?
Westchester offers quality educational opportunities, featuring well-regarded public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and supportive learning environments. Families also have access to private schooling options and are located within short driving distance to higher education institutions like Triton College and Concordia University Chicago. The strong emphasis on education makes the suburb appealing for families seeking academic growth.
Public Schools
Name:
Westchester Primary School
Street:
2400 Downing Ave
Phone:
708-562-1501
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Westchester Intermediate School
Street:
10900 Canterbury St
Phone:
708-562-1501
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
Divine Providence School
Street:
2500 Mayfair Ave
Phone:
708-562-2258
Students:
230
Colleges
Name:
Triton College
City:
River Grove
State:
IL
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
10,500
Name:
Concordia University Chicago
City:
River Forest
State:
IL
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
6,300
Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is a highlight in Westchester, with major hospitals like Loyola University Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital located nearby. The area is well-served by physicians, boasting 2.7 doctors per 1,000 people, and nearly 95% of residents have health insurance coverage. These factors contribute to a strong sense of wellbeing and reliable medical support for all ages.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Loyola University Medical Center
Address:
2160 S 1st Ave, Maywood, IL 60153
Phone:
(888) 584-7888
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Rush Oak Park Hospital
Address:
520 S Maple Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304
Phone:
(708) 383-9300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Westchester, IL?
Westchester’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $293,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of over 83%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,370 and a moderate vacancy rate supporting both renters and buyers. Home values have appreciated by nearly 5% in the past year, reflecting steady demand and a healthy real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$293,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,370
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services at the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in nearby Melrose Park. The facility provides essential services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers, with convenient online resources available through the state website. This ensures that handling vehicle and driving needs is straightforward and accessible for Westchester locals.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility
Address:
1903 Mannheim Rd, Melrose Park, IL 60160
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.