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Is Des Plaines a Good Place to Live? Des Plaines, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Des Plaines ranks #69 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #32 of 524 smaller cities and #5 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (108 per 100,000, #61 of 444) and low poverty (6%, #80 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Des Plaines by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines?
Des Plaines'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 $1,606/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $358,473, 20% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Des Plaines | 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 | $358,473#532 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 | $2,058/mo#738 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $335,600#617 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,606/mo#793 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.7%#417 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.
Des Plaines 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. Des Plaines is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Des Plaines safe?
Des Plaines recorded 108 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% below the US rate of 328 and 57% below Illinois's 251. That ranks #142 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #61 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Des Plaines Police Department. Property crime runs 792 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Des Plaines | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 108#142 of 1,085 | 251 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 792#133 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 Des Plaines?
The median household in Des Plaines earns $97,875, 18% above the US figure of $83,163 and 18% above Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Des Plaines | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $97,875#368 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6%#178 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 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 Des Plaines?
The median resident of Des Plaines is 42.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 38.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Des Plaines | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 38.9%#492 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 78.3% | 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 Des Plaines's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Des Plaines; its public schools have 11.4 students per teacher and spend $25,970 per pupil. 26.8% of adults are obese and 10.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Des Plaines | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.4#45 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $25,970#48 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26.8%#216 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.8%#578 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.8%#117 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10%#656 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. 7,716 students are enrolled in Des Plaines's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Des Plaines?
The average commute in Des Plaines is 28.2 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 4% of workers take transit and 13.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Des Plaines scores 13.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #174 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.3°F and winters 28.2°F, with 37.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Des Plaines | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 28.2 min#1011 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9%#991 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67.2% | 66% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.4% | 3.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 13.9% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.9#174 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 | 31.6 | 18.8 | 2 |
| Feb | 35.7 | 21.8 | 2 |
| Mar | 47 | 31 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 59 | 40.3 | 3.8 |
| May | 70.5 | 50.6 | 4.5 |
| Jun | 80.4 | 60.8 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 84.5 | 66.4 | 3.7 |
| Aug | 82.5 | 65.1 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 75.5 | 57.1 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 62.7 | 45.4 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 48.4 | 34.1 | 2.4 |
| Dec | 36.6 | 24.4 | 2.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Chicago Ohare International Airport.
| Measure | Des Plaines | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 28.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 37.9 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 Ohare International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Des Plaines?
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 | Des Plaines | 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 Des Plaines compare with similar-size cities?
Des Plaines is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #32 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 59,156.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #69 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 | 28.2 min |
| Herriman, UTPop. 59,346 | #164 | 65.6 | $122,650 | $2,019/mo | 64 | 27.1 min |
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #1277 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 | 20.3 min |
| Margate, FLPop. 59,198 | #1036 | 49.3 | $62,450 | $1,750/mo | part year | 30.7 min |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #470 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 | 14.6 min |
| Monterey Park, CAPop. 59,132 | #829 | 52.8 | $81,855 | $1,888/mo | 265 | 28.4 min |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #1055 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 | 19.1 min |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #221 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 | 22.7 min |
| Grand Forks, NDPop. 59,042 | #222 | 63.9 | $63,627 | $980/mo | 270 | 14.8 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 Des Plaines compare with the rest of Illinois?
Des Plaines ranks #5 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 69.4 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 18% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 57% below the statewide rate. Homes are 20% 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 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Des Plaines among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Des Plaines's score calculated?
Des Plaines scores 69.4 out of 100, #69 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Des Plaines. Similar-size median 55.5.
61.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Des Plaines's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
94.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Des Plaines. Similar-size median 58.9.
71.7 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Des Plaines's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
95.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Des Plaines's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
62.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Des Plaines. Similar-size median 56.1.
71.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Des Plaines. Similar-size median 42.4.
38.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Des Plaines. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Des Plaines's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
67.9 - 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.
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Bar: Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
Is Des Plaines, IL a good place to live?
Des Plaines ranks #69 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #32 of 524 smaller cities and #5 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (108 per 100,000, #61 of 444) and low poverty (6%, #80 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines'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 $1,606/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $358,473, 20% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines recorded 108 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% below the US rate of 328 and 57% below Illinois's 251. That ranks #142 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #61 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Des Plaines Police Department. Property crime runs 792 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Des Plaines?
The median household in Des Plaines earns $97,875, 18% above the US figure of $83,163 and 18% above Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Des Plaines?
Median rent in Des Plaines is $1,606/mo (Census), #793 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,058/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Des Plaines?
The typical home value in Des Plaines is $358,473, up 6.9% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $335,600.
How are the public schools in Des Plaines?
There is no city graduation rate for Des Plaines; its public schools have 11.4 students per teacher and spend $25,970 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Des Plaines?
The average commute is 28.2 minutes, #1011 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines averages 51.3°F over the year, 73.3°F in summer and 28.2°F in winter, with 37.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Des Plaines walkable?
Des Plaines scores 13.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #174 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines?
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 Des Plaines?
Des Plaines has 59,156 residents. The median resident of Des Plaines is 42.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 38.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Des Plaines compare with the rest of Illinois?
Des Plaines ranks #5 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 69.4 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 18% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 57% below the statewide rate. Homes are 20% above the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Des Plaines?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Des Plaines's population of 59,156 are Herriman, UT (#164 overall), Youngstown, OH (#1277 overall), Margate, FL (#1036 overall), Dubuque, IA (#470 overall), and Monterey Park, CA (#829 overall). Des Plaines is #69.