Des Plaines

Des Plaines, Illinois Overview

With a composite score of 59.2/100 and a B+ grade, Des Plaines ranks #6 of 20 cities in Illinois. Its strongest showing is in Safety (91/100), while Outdoor Access (6/100) represents its largest gap.

Income & Employment in Des Plaines

Households in Des Plaines earn a median of $94,303 — 20% above the state median — but the 4.8% unemployment rate sits above the statewide 4.6%, suggesting the job market doesn’t match the income figures.

Safety in Des Plaines

Des Plaines’s violent crime rate of 142.2 per 100,000 is well below both the Illinois rate of 393 and national norms, making safety one of the city’s defining features. The property crime rate is 901.7 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Des Plaines

Des Plaines 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 $318,200. Median monthly rent is $1,435. Renters spend 18.3% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Des Plaines

Des Plaines’s adult obesity rate of 26.8% is below the national average, contributing to stronger health outcomes. The diabetes prevalence rate is 10.8%. Residents average 13.8 poor mental health days per month. Illinois ranks #21 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Des Plaines

The student-teacher ratio of 11.5:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $25,425 per student, well above the national median. The city has 17 public schools serving 8,491 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Des Plaines

The annual average temperature in Des Plaines is 51.6°F. Summers average 70.6°F. Winters average 33.5°F. Annual precipitation is 42.9 inches.

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