Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wilmette, IL
Thinking of moving to Wilmette, IL? With a population of 27,449, this North Shore suburb offers a tranquil, family-friendly atmosphere and top-rated schools, with an impressive 82% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Though the median home price stands at $900,000 and rents average $2,100, Wilmette boasts very low crime rates, a high median household income of $182,500, and convenient access to both Chicago and Lake Michigan. Enjoy four distinct seasons, short commutes, and excellent healthcare options—making Wilmette a standout choice for quality living near the city.
Demographics - Wilmette, IL
Demographics - Wilmette, IL
Wilmette is a close-knit suburb with a population of 27,449 and a median age of 45, reflecting a mature and established community. The area is predominantly White (84%), with a notable Asian presence (nearly 10%), and about 14% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diversity, coupled with a balanced gender ratio, creates a welcoming environment for families and professionals alike.
Population:
27,449
Density:
4,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.0
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.1%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
9.8%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wilmette, IL?
Living in Wilmette comes with a higher cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $900,000 and an average rent of $2,100. The overall cost of living index is 151, driven mainly by housing expenses, while utility and grocery costs remain close to national averages. Residents benefit from a moderate state tax rate of 4.95%, making budgeting important for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$900,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,350
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
151.0
Grocery:
109.0
Housing:
230.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
103.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Wilmette, IL a safe place to live?
Wilmette is considered very safe, with a violent crime rate of just 20 incidents per 100,000 residents and a low chance of property crime. The odds of experiencing violent crime are 1 in 5,000, making it one of the safer Chicago suburbs. This low crime index contributes significantly to the area's family-friendly reputation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
20
Property Crimes Per 100k:
470
Crime Index:
490
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 5,000
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 213
Weather
What is the weather like in Wilmette, IL year-round?
Wilmette experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm summers reaching highs around 83°F. The area receives about 38 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 56% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Residents of Wilmette enjoy a high median household income of $182,500 and a low poverty rate of 2.3%. The community is highly educated, with over 98% holding a high school diploma and more than 80% earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. With an average commute of 34 minutes and 13.5% using public transit, Wilmette is well-suited for professionals working in nearby urban centers.
Median Income:
$66,000
Household Income:
$182,500
Family Income:
$210,000
Per Capita Income:
$97,500
Income Male:
$120,000
Income Female:
$70,000
Poverty Rate:
2.3%
Non English Speakers:
14.2%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
13.5%
Commute Time:
33.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.6%
Bachelors or More:
82.1%
Education
How are the schools in Wilmette, IL?
Education is a hallmark of Wilmette, featuring top-rated public schools with low student-teacher ratios and a selection of private options. The suburb is just three miles from Northwestern University, providing access to world-class higher education. These strong educational resources contribute to Wilmette’s appeal for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Wilmette Junior High School
Street:
620 Locust Rd
Phone:
847-512-6600
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Central Elementary School
Street:
910 Central Ave
Phone:
847-512-6100
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Private Schools
Name:
Saint Francis Xavier School
Street:
808 Linden Ave
Phone:
847-256-0644
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Northwestern University
City:
Evanston
State:
IL
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Wilmette offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like NorthShore University HealthSystem and Presence Saint Francis Hospital just minutes away. The area boasts 4 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 97%. Residents benefit from comprehensive medical services and emergency care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
NorthShore University HealthSystem - Evanston Hospital
Address:
2650 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Phone:
(847) 570-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Presence Saint Francis Hospital
Address:
355 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
Phone:
(847) 316-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wilmette, IL?
The Wilmette housing market is strong and stable, with a median home price of $900,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,100. Over 83% of homes are owner-occupied, and the foreclosure rate is exceptionally low at 0.1%. Modest home appreciation and new construction rates indicate a mature, sought-after residential community.
Median Home Price:
$900,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Wilmette residents are served by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility located in nearby Chicago. This DMV provides full driver and vehicle services, making state documentation and licensing convenient for locals. More information is available on the official Illinois SOS website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Facility
Address:
5401 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
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.