Chicago

Chicago, Illinois Overview

Chicago faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (49.5/100) and ranking #15 of 20 cities in Illinois. Even so, the city scores 71/100 in Education — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 6/100.

Income & Employment in Chicago

The median household income in Chicago is $74,474, 5% below the statewide median of $78,304. The local unemployment rate of 5.5% is higher than the state’s 4.6%. Population grew 0.8% recently.

Safety in Chicago

With a violent crime rate of 606.9 per 100,000, Chicago exceeds the Illinois average of 393. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3440.5 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Chicago

Chicago has a cost of living index of 102.6 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $315,200. Median monthly rent is $1,380. Renters spend 22.2% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Chicago

The adult obesity rate in Chicago is 32.6% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 12%. Residents report an average of 16 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Illinois ranks #21 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Chicago

The student-teacher ratio is 14.1:1. Local districts invest $22,701 per student, well above the national median. The city has 630 public schools serving 326,381 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Chicago

The annual average temperature in Chicago is 51.8°F. Summers average 70.2°F. Winters average 34.2°F. Annual precipitation is 49 inches. 15.6% of workers in Chicago work from home, well above the national average. 21.2% of commuters use public transit.

Frequently Asked Questions