Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Winnetka, IL
Considering Winnetka, IL for your next home? With a population of 12,679, this picturesque North Shore suburb offers top-tier schools—including the acclaimed New Trier High School—exceptionally low crime rates, and a strong sense of community. The median home price is $1.4M, reflecting both the area’s desirability and high standard of living, alongside a high median household income. Residents enjoy a classic four-season climate, average commute times of about 35 minutes to Chicago, and convenient access to excellent healthcare and public transportation. Discover Winnetka’s blend of tranquility, prestige, and family-friendly amenities below.
Demographics - Winnetka, IL
Demographics - Winnetka, IL
Winnetka, IL is a close-knit village of 12,679 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 44.2 years. The area offers a balanced gender ratio and a welcoming environment with a small but notable percentage of non-English speakers, adding to its community diversity.
Population:
12,679
Density:
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.6%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
4.4%
Others:
3.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Winnetka, IL?
Living in Winnetka comes with a premium cost, as reflected by a median home value of $1.4 million and a cost of living index significantly above the national average. Residents can expect higher expenses for housing, groceries, and transportation, underscoring the community’s affluent lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$1,400,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,500
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,500
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
182.3
Grocery:
115.5
Housing:
310.0
Utilities:
99.2
Transportation:
120.7
Health Care:
106.8
Miscellaneous:
112.5
Crime
Is Winnetka, IL a safe place to live?
Winnetka boasts exceptionally low crime rates, with only 28 violent crimes and 210 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, making it one of the safer suburbs in the Chicago area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
28
Property Crimes Per 100k:
210
Crime Index:
238
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 3,571
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 476
Weather
What is the weather like in Winnetka, IL year-round?
Winnetka experiences all four seasons, featuring cold, snowy winters and warm summers with average highs reaching 84°F. With about 54% sunny days and 36 inches of annual rainfall, the climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Winnetka’s neighbors are highly educated and affluent, with median household incomes well above $250,000 and over 87% holding at least a bachelor’s degree. The community enjoys a low poverty rate, low unemployment, and a strong emphasis on education and professional success.
Median Income:
$93,000
Household Income:
$250,000+
Family Income:
$250,000+
Per Capita Income:
$120,000
Income Male:
$150,000
Income Female:
$80,000
Poverty Rate:
2.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.3%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
2.4%
Public Transport Usage:
14.2%
Commute Time:
34.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
99.5%
Bachelors or More:
87.6%
Education
How are the schools in Winnetka, IL?
Winnetka is renowned for its outstanding public schools, including the highly rated New Trier Township High School, and features a range of private school options. Proximity to top-tier universities like Northwestern and Loyola further enhances the area’s educational appeal.

Public Schools
Name:
New Trier Township High School
Street:
385 Winnetka Ave
Phone:
847-446-7000
Students:
4,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.6
Name:
Crow Island Elementary School
Street:
1112 Willow Rd
Phone:
847-446-9400
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0

Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart School
Street:
1095 Gage St
Phone:
847-446-0005
Students:
250

Colleges
Name:
Loyola University Chicago
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
17,000
Name:
Northwestern University
City:
Evanston
State:
IL
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like NorthShore University HealthSystem nearby and nearly 98% of the population insured. The area has a high ratio of physicians per capita, ensuring timely and quality medical care.

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:
NorthShore University HealthSystem - Highland Park Hospital
Address:
777 Park Ave West, Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone:
(847) 432-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.8%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Winnetka, IL?
Winnetka’s housing market is defined by its high median home price of $1.4 million and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 87.5%. Home values continue to appreciate modestly, reflecting the area’s desirability and stable investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$1,400,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
87.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Local DMV services for Winnetka residents are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in nearby Des Plaines, offering convenient access for licensing and vehicle registration needs.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
1470 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60018
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.