IllinoisPop. 82,797Smaller cities
Is Cicero a Good Place to Live? Cicero, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cicero ranks #500 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #232 of 524 smaller cities and #22 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,154/mo, #106 of 524) and affordable homes ($249,400, #120 of 524), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
Cicero by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cicero'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 Cicero?
Cicero'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 $1,154/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $279,769, 6% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Cicero | 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 | 100 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $279,769#323 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,294/mo#159 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $249,400#394 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,154/mo#393 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.5%#391 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.
Cicero 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. Cicero is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Cicero safe?
Cicero recorded 222 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% below the US rate of 328 and 11% below Illinois's 251. That ranks #401 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #184 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cicero Police Department. Property crime runs 1,015 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Cicero | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 222#401 of 1,085 | 251 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,015#223 of 1,085 | 1,508 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
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 Cicero?
The median household in Cicero earns $70,842, 15% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Cicero | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $70,842#801 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.6%#836 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 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 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 Cicero?
The median resident of Cicero is 34.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 10.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1301 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cicero | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 10.8%#1301 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 54.6% | 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 Cicero's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Cicero; its public schools have 15.6 students per teacher and spend $21,391 per pupil. 35.5% of adults are obese and 13.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Cicero | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $21,391#144 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.5%#815 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.5%#1026 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.5%#522 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 29.7%#1299 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. 13,110 students are enrolled in Cicero's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cicero?
The average commute in Cicero is 29.3 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 7.3% of workers take transit and 5.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cicero scores 14.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #65 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 | Cicero | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29.3 min#1065 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.2%#1005 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67.6% | 66% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 7.3% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.6% | 3.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 5.5% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.7#65 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 | Cicero | 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 Cicero?
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 | Cicero | 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 Cicero compare with similar-size cities?
Cicero is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #232 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 82,797.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cicero, ILPop. 82,797 | #500 | 58.0 | $70,842 | $1,154/mo | 222 | 29.3 min |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #764 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 | 22.2 min |
| Waldorf, MDPop. 82,943 | #598 | 56.7 | $116,089 | $1,995/mo | no data | 41.1 min |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #941 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 | 20.7 min |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #1128 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 | 26.8 min |
| Buena Park, CAPop. 82,871 | #643 | 55.9 | $110,550 | $2,206/mo | 281 | 28.8 min |
| Homestead, FLPop. 82,807 | #918 | 51.4 | $65,423 | $1,674/mo | 442 | 35.8 min |
| New Rochelle, NYPop. 82,769 | #124 | 67.5 | $109,167 | $1,917/mo | 154 | 32.5 min |
| South Jordan, UTPop. 82,686 | #127 | 67.3 | $134,047 | $1,991/mo | 113 | 24.1 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 Cicero compare with the rest of Illinois?
Cicero ranks #22 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 58 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 15% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 11% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below 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 |
| 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 |
| Springfield, ILPop. 113,330 | #26 | 51.1 | $66,064 | $975/mo | 895 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Cicero among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Cicero's score calculated?
Cicero scores 58 out of 100, #500 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 Cicero. Similar-size median 55.5.
45.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Cicero's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
85.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cicero. Similar-size median 58.9.
49.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cicero's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
70.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Cicero's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
71.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cicero. Similar-size median 56.1.
44.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Cicero. Similar-size median 42.4.
35.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cicero. Similar-size median 50.0.
44.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cicero's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
72.1 - 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: Cicero'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 Cicero 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 Cicero
Is Cicero, IL a good place to live?
Cicero ranks #500 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #232 of 524 smaller cities and #22 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,154/mo, #106 of 524) and affordable homes ($249,400, #120 of 524), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Cicero?
Cicero'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 $1,154/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $279,769, 6% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Cicero?
Cicero recorded 222 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% below the US rate of 328 and 11% below Illinois's 251. That ranks #401 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #184 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cicero Police Department. Property crime runs 1,015 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Cicero?
The median household in Cicero earns $70,842, 15% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Cicero?
Median rent in Cicero is $1,154/mo (Census), #393 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,294/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cicero?
The typical home value in Cicero is $279,769, up 4.6% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $249,400.
How are the public schools in Cicero?
There is no city graduation rate for Cicero; its public schools have 15.6 students per teacher and spend $21,391 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cicero?
The average commute is 29.3 minutes, #1065 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 9.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cicero?
Cicero 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 Cicero walkable?
Cicero scores 14.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #65 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 Cicero 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 Cicero?
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 Cicero?
Cicero has 82,797 residents. The median resident of Cicero is 34.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 10.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1301 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cicero compare with the rest of Illinois?
Cicero ranks #22 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 58 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 15% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 11% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Cicero?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cicero's population of 82,797 are Warner Robins, GA (#764 overall), Waldorf, MD (#598 overall), Longview, TX (#941 overall), Gastonia, NC (#1128 overall), and Buena Park, CA (#643 overall). Cicero is #500.