Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Zion, IL
Considering a move to Zion, IL? This lakeside city of 23,877 residents offers affordable living, with a median home price of $176,000 and average rents around $1,180. Commute times average 30 minutes, and while property crime rates are above state averages, the community features access to multiple hospitals and public schools, plus a moderate climate with 54% sunny days per year. Zion is a diverse, family-friendly community with reasonable costs—a great fit for those seeking value and proximity to Lake Michigan.
Demographics - Zion, IL
Zion, Illinois is home to nearly 24,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 34.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The city showcases a diverse community—about 40% White, 32% Black, and 18% of residents speaking a language other than English—making it a vibrant and multicultural place to live.
Population:
23,877
Density:
2,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
39.5%
Black:
32.4%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
25.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Zion, IL?
Zion offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $176,000 and average rent of $1,180 for a two-bedroom. Utility and grocery costs are below national averages, and the overall cost of living index is 89.6, making this city a budget-friendly option for families and individuals alike.
Median House Value:
$176,000
Gross Rent:
$1,180
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,310
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.6
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
95.3
Transportation:
100.6
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
93.1
Crime
Is Zion, IL a safe place to live?
While Zion boasts a small-town feel, its property crime rates are higher than state averages, with about 2,119 property crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 47 chance of being affected. Violent crime is relatively low, with a 1 in 366 chance, offering residents peace of mind in most neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
273
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,119
Crime Index:
2,392
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 366
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Zion, IL year-round?
Zion experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging between 16°F and 34°F and pleasant summers ranging from 60°F to 82°F. The city enjoys about 54% sunny days each year and receives around 34.6 inches of rainfall, making it suitable for those who appreciate a moderate Midwestern climate.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents of Zion benefit from a close-knit community with a median household income of $55,976 and a family income of $63,800. While the poverty rate is 18.7% and unemployment stands at 7.1%, most adults hold at least a high school diploma, and commute times average just under 30 minutes.
Median Income:
$31,200
Household Income:
$55,976
Family Income:
$63,800
Per Capita Income:
$22,200
Income Male:
$40,500
Income Female:
$31,800
Poverty Rate:
18.7%
Non English Speakers:
18.1%
Rent:
$1,180
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.8%
Bachelors or More:
18.6%
Education
How are the schools in Zion, IL?
Zion supports a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Zion-Benton Township High School and East Elementary, as well as private options such as Our Lady of Humility School. For higher education, the College of Lake County is just 15 miles away, making it easy for residents to pursue advanced learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Zion-Benton Township High School
Street:
3901 W 21st St
Phone:
847-731-9300
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Name:
East Elementary School
Street:
2912 9th St
Phone:
847-872-5425
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of Humility School
Street:
10601 W Wadsworth Rd
Phone:
847-746-3722
Students:
200

Colleges
Name:
College of Lake County
City:
Grayslake
State:
IL
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
14,000
Healthcare
Zion residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Vista Medical Center East and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital nearby. The area maintains a solid physician-to-population ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 and 91.4% of residents are insured, ensuring comprehensive medical services are within reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Vista Medical Center East
Address:
1324 N Sheridan Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone:
(847) 360-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
Address:
1000 N Westmoreland Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone:
(847) 234-5600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
71.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Zion, IL?
Zion's housing market is attractive for buyers and renters alike, with a median home price of $176,000 and owner-occupancy at 58.3%. Rental vacancies are moderate at 7.2%, and the market is experiencing steady growth with a 3.9% annual appreciation rate.
Median Home Price:
$176,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,180
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Local DMV services for Zion residents are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Driver Services Facility in nearby Waukegan. Conveniently located and accessible, the facility offers essential driver and vehicle services for those living in Zion.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State – Driver Services Facility
Address:
617 S. Green Bay Road, Waukegan, IL 60085
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.