Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wicker Park, IL
Thinking of moving to Wicker Park, IL? With a vibrant population of around 26,000, this trendy Chicago neighborhood offers an energetic urban lifestyle with a median home price of $675,000 and average rents around $2,250. Residents enjoy a high rate of educational attainment, decent public transit access, and a lively cultural scene. Expect a typical city commute of 36.5 minutes, a moderate crime rate, and plenty of nearby amenities, making Wicker Park an attractive choice for young professionals and families alike.
Demographics - Wicker Park, IL
Demographics - Wicker Park, IL
Wicker Park is a bustling Chicago neighborhood with a population of about 26,000 and a youthful median age of 32.4. The area is ethnically diverse, with the majority being White but notable Asian, Black, and other communities, and about 15% of residents speak a language other than English at home. High population density and a near-even gender balance contribute to its energetic urban character.
Population:
26,000
Density:
19,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.4
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.0%
Black:
5.0%
Asian:
7.0%
Others:
20.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wicker Park, IL?
Wicker Park's cost of living is notably higher than the national average, with a median home value of $675,000 and median rent around $2,250. The overall cost of living index is 139, driven mainly by elevated housing and transportation costs, making it a premium neighborhood for those seeking an urban lifestyle. Residents can also expect average utility and healthcare expenses in line with city living.
Median House Value:
$675,000
Gross Rent:
$2,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
139.0
Grocery:
114.0
Housing:
154.0
Utilities:
102.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
106.0
Miscellaneous:
107.0
Crime
Is Wicker Park, IL a safe place to live?
Wicker Park experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 310 violent crimes and 2,100 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of encountering a violent crime is roughly 1 in 323, while property crime risk is higher at 1 in 48. Residents benefit from an active community presence and urban amenities, but should still take standard city safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
310
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,410
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Wicker Park, IL year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons in Wicker Park, ranging from cold winters with lows around 18°F to warm summers peaking at 85°F. The neighborhood receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and has a fair share of sunny days, making it comfortable for year-round outdoor activities. Seasonal transitions bring pleasant springs and mild autumns, ideal for exploring the city.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Neighbors in Wicker Park tend to be well-educated, with 94.5% holding at least a high school diploma and 67% a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income is $98,000, and about 10% of residents live below the poverty line. Public transit is commonly used, and the average commute time is about 36.5 minutes, reflecting the area's urban connectivity.
Median Income:
$55,000
Household Income:
$98,000
Family Income:
$123,000
Per Capita Income:
$62,000
Income Male:
$68,000
Income Female:
$56,000
Poverty Rate:
10.3%
Non English Speakers:
15.2%
Rent:
$2,250
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
17.2%
Commute Time:
36.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.5%
Bachelors or More:
67.0%
Education
How are the schools in Wicker Park, IL?
Families in Wicker Park have access to quality public schools such as Pritzker Elementary and LaSalle II Magnet, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education options and proximity to major universities like DePaul University and the University of Illinois at Chicago, both less than three miles away, make the area ideal for students of all ages. The neighborhood's emphasis on education is reflected in its high college attainment rates.
Public Schools
Name:
Pritzker Elementary School
Street:
2009 W Schiller St
Phone:
773-534-4415
Students:
630
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
LaSalle II Magnet School
Street:
1148 N Honore St
Phone:
773-534-0490
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy
Street:
1255 N Noble St
Phone:
773-278-4560
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
DePaul University
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
University of Illinois at Chicago
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
34,000
Healthcare
Wicker Park offers convenient access to healthcare, with major hospitals like Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital nearby and a strong network of physicians. About 91% of residents have health insurance coverage, and the area boasts a healthcare index above 76, indicating good quality and accessibility. Emergency services and general surgical care are readily available to the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital
Address:
2233 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone:
(312) 770-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center
Address:
2233 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone:
(312) 770-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.1%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wicker Park, IL?
The housing market in Wicker Park is robust, with a median home price of $675,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom around $2,350. Owner-occupancy is lower than average at 38%, reflecting a strong rental market, while vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating stability. Home values have appreciated by about 4% over the past year, making the neighborhood attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$675,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
38.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Wicker Park can access DMV services through the Illinois Secretary of State office located in downtown Chicago. Essential services like driver's licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers are handled at 100 W Randolph St. For information and online services, visit the official state website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State
Address:
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.