IllinoisPop. 2,711,226Large cities
Is Chicago a Good Place to Live? Chicago, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Chicago ranks #460 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #5 of 37 large cities and #21 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (420 per 100,000, #6 of 36), and trails on long commutes (33.1 min, #36 of 37).
Chicago by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Chicago'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 Chicago?
Chicago'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 $1,440/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $334,030, 12% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Chicago | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 103.6#889 of 1,308 | 100 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $334,030#478 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,342/mo#854 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $334,100#612 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,440/mo#671 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.3x#667 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 22.2%#698 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Chicago 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. Chicago is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Chicago safe?
Chicago recorded 420 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% above the US rate of 328 and 67% above Illinois's 251. That ranks #747 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #6 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chicago Police Department. Property crime runs 2,956 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Chicago | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 420#747 of 1,085 | 251 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 2,956#946 of 1,085 | 1,508 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Chicago?
The median household in Chicago earns $77,902, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Chicago | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $77,902#655 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 16.8%#968 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Chicago?
The median resident of Chicago is 35.8 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 44.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #358 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Chicago | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 35.8 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 44.3%#358 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 46% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Chicago's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Chicago; its public schools have 14 students per teacher and spend $22,701 per pupil. 32.6% of adults are obese and 12% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Chicago | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 14#282 of 1,188 | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $22,701#101 of 1,188 | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 32.6%#580 of 1,311 | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 12%#794 of 1,311 | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 16%#410 of 1,311 | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 13.6%#999 of 1,311 | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 322,609 students are enrolled in Chicago's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Chicago?
The average commute in Chicago is 33.1 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 17.7% of workers take transit and 21% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Chicago scores 14.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #90 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 | Chicago | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 33.1 min#1227 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 13.4%#1188 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 44.7% | 66% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 17.7% | 7% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 5.8% | 3.1% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.4% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 21% | 13.6% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.5#90 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | Chicago | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 52.1°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 74.1°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 29°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 34.4 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Chicago?
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 | Chicago | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 25#988 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#592 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Chicago compare with similar-size cities?
Chicago is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #5 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 2,711,226.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, ILPop. 2,711,226 | #460 | 58.7 | $77,902 | $1,440/mo | 420 | 33.1 min |
| Los Angeles, CAPop. 3,857,263 | #1123 | 47.4 | $81,939 | $1,933/mo | 670 | 30.7 min |
| Houston, TXPop. 2,328,253 | #1218 | 44.3 | $64,813 | $1,361/mo | 884 | 27.2 min |
| Phoenix, AZPop. 1,642,323 | #924 | 51.3 | $81,332 | $1,582/mo | 696 | 25.6 min |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #1102 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 | 31.7 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 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 Chicago compare with the rest of Illinois?
Chicago ranks #21 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 58.7 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 6% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 67% above the statewide rate. Homes are 12% 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 |
| 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 |
| Cicero, ILPop. 82,797 | #22 | 58.0 | $70,842 | $1,154/mo | 222 |
| Normal, ILPop. 53,569 | #23 | 57.7 | $64,785 | $965/mo | 290 |
| Joliet, ILPop. 150,445 | #24 | 56.6 | $92,201 | $1,276/mo | 344 |
| Waukegan, ILPop. 89,076 | #25 | 55.0 | $71,919 | $1,205/mo | 375 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Chicago among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Chicago's score calculated?
Chicago scores 58.7 out of 100, #460 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 Chicago. Similar-size median 50.4.
48.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Chicago's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
58.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Chicago. Similar-size median 52.4.
57.2 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Chicago's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.5.
79.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Chicago's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
64.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Chicago. Similar-size median 43.4.
43.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Chicago. Similar-size median 40.4.
40.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Chicago. Similar-size median 56.6.
70.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Chicago's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
71.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
45.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Chicago's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Chicago 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 Chicago
Is Chicago, IL a good place to live?
Chicago ranks #460 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #5 of 37 large cities and #21 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (420 per 100,000, #6 of 36), and trails on long commutes (33.1 min, #36 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Chicago?
Chicago'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 $1,440/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $334,030, 12% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Chicago?
Chicago recorded 420 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% above the US rate of 328 and 67% above Illinois's 251. That ranks #747 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #6 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chicago Police Department. Property crime runs 2,956 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Chicago?
The median household in Chicago earns $77,902, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Chicago?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,440/mo (Census), #671 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,342/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Chicago?
The typical home value in Chicago is $334,030, up 5.2% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $334,100.
How are the public schools in Chicago?
There is no city graduation rate for Chicago; its public schools have 14 students per teacher and spend $22,701 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Chicago?
The average commute is 33.1 minutes, #1227 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 13.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Chicago?
Chicago 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 Chicago walkable?
Chicago scores 14.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #90 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 Chicago 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 Chicago?
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 Chicago?
Chicago has 2,711,226 residents. The median resident of Chicago is 35.8 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 44.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #358 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Chicago compare with the rest of Illinois?
Chicago ranks #21 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 58.7 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 6% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 67% above the statewide rate. Homes are 12% above the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Chicago?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Chicago's population of 2,711,226 are Los Angeles, CA (#1123 overall), Houston, TX (#1218 overall), Phoenix, AZ (#924 overall), Philadelphia, PA (#1102 overall), and Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall). Chicago is #460.