IllinoisPop. 55,595Smaller cities
Is Berwyn a Good Place to Live? Berwyn, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Berwyn ranks #372 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #180 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,215/mo, #127 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (5%, #361 of 476) and a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
Berwyn by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Berwyn's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Berwyn?
Berwyn's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,215/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $321,149, 8% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Berwyn | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 103.6#889 of 1,308 | 99 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $321,149#435 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,427/mo#282 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $299,800#529 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,215/mo#451 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.6%#298 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Berwyn housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Berwyn is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Berwyn safe?
Berwyn recorded 161 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 57% below the US rate of 373 and 59% below Illinois's 393. That ranks #255 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #116 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Berwyn Police Department. Property crime runs 1,596 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Berwyn | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 161#255 of 1,083 | 393 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,596#519 of 1,083 | 1,680 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Berwyn?
The median household in Berwyn earns $78,408, 2% above the US figure of $76,827 and in line with Illinois ($78,304). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.2%). 10.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Berwyn | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $78,408#646 of 1,312 | $78,304 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5%#832 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.9%#568 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Berwyn?
The median resident of Berwyn is 37.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Berwyn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 24.2%#1009 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 61.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Berwyn's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Berwyn; its public schools have 13.9 students per teacher and spend $19,582 per pupil. 32.8% of adults are obese and 11.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Berwyn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.9#272 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,582#224 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 32.8%#596 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.6%#715 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.3%#301 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 19%#1197 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 9,028 students are enrolled in Berwyn's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Berwyn?
The average commute in Berwyn is 29 minutes (Illinois 25); 5% of workers take transit and 12.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Berwyn scores 14.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.1°F and winters 29°F, with 34.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Berwyn | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29 min#1054 of 1,312 | 25 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.6%#1036 of 1,312 | 10.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 61.9% | 68.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.1% | 2.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.2% | 12.1% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.2#123 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.7 | 19.4 | 1.5 |
| Feb | 36.8 | 22.6 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 47.6 | 31.7 | 1.9 |
| Apr | 59.9 | 41.4 | 3.6 |
| May | 71.1 | 52 | 4.1 |
| Jun | 80.9 | 62.3 | 4 |
| Jul | 85 | 67.7 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 82.7 | 66.4 | 4 |
| Sep | 76.3 | 58.8 | 2.8 |
| Oct | 63.4 | 46.5 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 49.1 | 35 | 2.4 |
| Dec | 37.6 | 25 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Chicago Midway Airport.
| Measure | Berwyn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 29°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 34.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Chicago Midway Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Berwyn?
Cook County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 41% of measured days were rated good; 25 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cook County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Berwyn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 25#988 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#592 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Cook County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cook County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 76% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 60% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0038% | 59% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0011% | 37% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Berwyn compare with similar-size cities?
Berwyn is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #180 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 55,595.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berwyn, ILPop. 55,595 | #372 | 60.5 | $78,408 | $1,215/mo | 161 | 29 min |
| Perth Amboy, NJPop. 55,855 | #922 | 51.4 | $61,977 | $1,688/mo | 269 | 23.5 min |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #242 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year | 30 min |
| Apple Valley, MNPop. 55,679 | #218 | 64.0 | $97,673 | $1,738/mo | 204 | 24.6 min |
| Fountainebleau, FLPop. 55,665 | #1172 | 46.0 | $64,908 | $2,094/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| South Whittier, CAPop. 55,650 | #979 | 50.4 | $100,800 | $1,908/mo | no data | 31.3 min |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #980 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 | 24.7 min |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #861 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 | 25.7 min |
| West Haven, CTPop. 55,351 | #435 | 59.4 | $74,382 | $1,442/mo | 65 | 22.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Berwyn compare with the rest of Illinois?
Berwyn ranks #17 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 60.5 against Illinois's statewide 52. Its households earn in line with the Illinois median. Violent crime is 59% below the statewide rate. Homes are 8% above the typical Illinois home.
| City | Rank in IL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, ILPop. 150,692 | #1 | 73.2 | $155,105 | $1,885/mo | 70 |
| Wheaton, ILPop. 53,557 | #2 | 72.0 | $120,008 | $1,799/mo | 34 |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #3 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #4 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #5 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #6 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #7 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 |
| Skokie, ILPop. 66,219 | #8 | 68.7 | $95,337 | $1,552/mo | 151 |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #9 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #10 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 |
| Orland Park, ILPop. 57,916 | … #13 | 65.3 | $98,910 | $1,440/mo | 9 |
| Bolingbrook, ILPop. 74,096 | #14 | 63.8 | $108,400 | $1,749/mo | 220 |
| Bloomington, ILPop. 78,907 | #15 | 62.2 | $77,384 | $1,050/mo | 318 |
| Oak Lawn, ILPop. 56,861 | #16 | 61.7 | $83,911 | $1,335/mo | 73 |
| Berwyn, ILPop. 55,595 | #17 | 60.5 | $78,408 | $1,215/mo | 161 |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #18 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 |
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | #19 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #20 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 |
| Chicago, ILPop. 2,711,226 | #21 | 58.7 | $77,902 | $1,440/mo | 420 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Berwyn among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $78,304, violent crime 393 per 100,000.
How is Berwyn's score calculated?
Berwyn scores 60.5 out of 100, #372 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Illinois's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Berwyn. Similar-size median 55.5.
48.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Berwyn's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
85.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Berwyn. Similar-size median 58.9.
59.1 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Berwyn's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
71.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Berwyn's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
68.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Berwyn. Similar-size median 56.1.
54.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Berwyn. Similar-size median 42.4.
34.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Berwyn. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Berwyn's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
69.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
45.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Berwyn's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Berwyn has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Berwyn
Is Berwyn, IL a good place to live?
Berwyn ranks #372 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #180 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,215/mo, #127 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (5%, #361 of 476) and a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Berwyn?
Berwyn's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,215/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $321,149, 8% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Berwyn?
Berwyn recorded 161 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 57% below the US rate of 373 and 59% below Illinois's 393. That ranks #255 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #116 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Berwyn Police Department. Property crime runs 1,596 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Berwyn?
The median household in Berwyn earns $78,408, 2% above the US figure of $76,827 and in line with Illinois ($78,304). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.2%). 10.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Berwyn?
Median rent in Berwyn is $1,215/mo (Census), #451 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,427/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Berwyn?
Zillow's typical home value in Berwyn is $321,149, up 6.2% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $299,800.
How are the public schools in Berwyn?
There is no city graduation rate for Berwyn; its public schools have 13.9 students per teacher and spend $19,582 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Berwyn?
The average commute is 29 minutes, #1054 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25 minutes across Illinois. 9.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Berwyn?
Berwyn averages 52.1°F over the year, 74.1°F in summer and 29°F in winter, with 34.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Berwyn walkable?
Berwyn scores 14.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Berwyn at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cook County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Berwyn?
Cook County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 41% of measured days were rated good; 25 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Berwyn?
Berwyn has 55,595 residents. The median resident of Berwyn is 37.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Berwyn compare with the rest of Illinois?
Berwyn ranks #17 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 60.5 against Illinois's statewide 52. Its households earn in line with the Illinois median. Violent crime is 59% below the statewide rate. Homes are 8% above the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Berwyn?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Berwyn's population of 55,595 are Perth Amboy, NJ (#922 overall), Spring Hill, TN (#242 overall), Apple Valley, MN (#218 overall), Fountainebleau, FL (#1172 overall), and South Whittier, CA (#979 overall). Berwyn is #372.