IllinoisPop. 150,445Mid-size cities
Is Joliet a Good Place to Live? Joliet, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Joliet ranks #604 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #94 of 256 mid-size cities and #24 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.4%, #201 of 241).
Joliet by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Joliet'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 Joliet?
Joliet'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 $1,276/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $269,608, 9% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Joliet | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 103.6#889 of 1,308 | 100 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $269,608#300 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,668/mo#474 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $265,800#439 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,276/mo#509 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 16.6%#130 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Joliet 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. Joliet is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Joliet safe?
Joliet recorded 344 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5% above the US rate of 328 and 37% above Illinois's 251. That ranks #622 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #113 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Joliet Police Department. Property crime runs 1,156 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Joliet | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 344#622 of 1,085 | 251 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,156#290 of 1,085 | 1,508 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Joliet?
The median household in Joliet earns $92,201, 11% above the US figure of $83,163 and 11% above Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.3%). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Joliet | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $92,201#436 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.4%#915 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 11.1%#581 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Joliet?
The median resident of Joliet is 35.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 25.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Joliet | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 25.5%#956 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 73.7% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Joliet's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Joliet; its public schools have 15.6 students per teacher and spend $20,485 per pupil. 41.9% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Joliet | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $20,485#182 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 41.9%#1205 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.7%#732 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.7%#799 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 13.9%#1019 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 20,531 students are enrolled in Joliet's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Joliet?
The average commute in Joliet is 28.8 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 1.3% of workers take transit and 8.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Joliet scores 10.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #609 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.1°F and winters 27°F, with 38 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Joliet | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 28.8 min#1045 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 10.9%#1106 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 77.5% | 66% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.6% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8.8% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 10.8#609 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 31.1 | 16.6 | 2 |
| Feb | 35.4 | 19.8 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 47 | 29.2 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 59.9 | 38.9 | 3.9 |
| May | 71 | 49.4 | 4.5 |
| Jun | 80.3 | 59.9 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 83.6 | 64.1 | 4.6 |
| Aug | 81.8 | 62.9 | 4 |
| Sep | 76.2 | 55.3 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 63.3 | 43.4 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 48.5 | 32.3 | 2.5 |
| Dec | 36.4 | 22.4 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Joliet Brandon Rd Dam.
| Measure | Joliet | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 50.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 72.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 27°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 38 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Joliet Brandon Rd Dam.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Joliet?
Will County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Will County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 74% of US counties.
| Measure | Joliet | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.12%#381 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Will County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Will County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.013% | 66% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.089% | 59% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0027% | 49% 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 Joliet compare with similar-size cities?
Joliet is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #94 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 150,445.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joliet, ILPop. 150,445 | #604 | 56.6 | $92,201 | $1,276/mo | 344 | 28.8 min |
| Charleston, SCPop. 154,338 | #413 | 59.8 | $92,414 | $1,722/mo | 279 | 24.2 min |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #59 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 | 23.6 min |
| Escondido, CAPop. 149,668 | #807 | 53.2 | $91,967 | $2,046/mo | 337 | 27.5 min |
| Pasadena, TXPop. 149,433 | #1141 | 46.9 | $64,927 | $1,213/mo | 436 | 26.6 min |
| Bridgeport, CTPop. 149,153 | #873 | 52.1 | $58,685 | $1,450/mo | 250 | 30.5 min |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 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 Joliet compare with the rest of Illinois?
Joliet ranks #24 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 56.6 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 11% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 37% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% 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 |
| 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 |
| Peoria, ILPop. 112,169 | #27 | 46.5 | $59,410 | $1,005/mo | 1,256 |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #28 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Joliet among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Joliet's score calculated?
Joliet scores 56.6 out of 100, #604 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 Joliet. Similar-size median 52.9.
51.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Joliet's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
76.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Joliet. Similar-size median 53.8.
42.0 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Joliet's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
68.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Joliet's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
69.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Joliet. Similar-size median 51.2.
59.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Joliet. Similar-size median 42.1.
38.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Joliet. Similar-size median 50.1.
36.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Joliet's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
51.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
62.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Joliet's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Joliet 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 Joliet
Is Joliet, IL a good place to live?
Joliet ranks #604 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #94 of 256 mid-size cities and #24 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.4%, #201 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Joliet?
Joliet'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 $1,276/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $269,608, 9% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Joliet?
Joliet recorded 344 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5% above the US rate of 328 and 37% above Illinois's 251. That ranks #622 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #113 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Joliet Police Department. Property crime runs 1,156 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Joliet?
The median household in Joliet earns $92,201, 11% above the US figure of $83,163 and 11% above Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.3%). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Joliet?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,276/mo (Census), #509 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,668/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Joliet?
The typical home value in Joliet is $269,608, up 1.2% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $265,800.
How are the public schools in Joliet?
There is no city graduation rate for Joliet; its public schools have 15.6 students per teacher and spend $20,485 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Joliet?
The average commute is 28.8 minutes, #1045 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 10.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Joliet?
Joliet averages 50.4°F over the year, 72.1°F in summer and 27°F in winter, with 38 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Joliet walkable?
Joliet scores 10.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #609 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 Joliet at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Will County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 74% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Joliet?
Will County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Joliet?
Joliet has 150,445 residents. The median resident of Joliet is 35.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 25.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Joliet compare with the rest of Illinois?
Joliet ranks #24 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 56.6 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 11% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 37% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Joliet?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Joliet's population of 150,445 are Charleston, SC (#413 overall), Bellevue, WA (#59 overall), Escondido, CA (#807 overall), Pasadena, TX (#1141 overall), and Bridgeport, CT (#873 overall). Joliet is #604.