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Is Oak Park a Good Place to Live? Oak Park, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Oak Park ranks #76 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #34 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($110,820, #128 of 524) and low poverty (7.4%, #130 of 524), and trails on long commutes (31.6 min, #456 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
Oak Park by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Oak Park'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 Oak Park?
Oak Park'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 $1,593/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $486,880, 64% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Oak Park | 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 | 99 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $486,880#794 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,025/mo#727 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $465,500#920 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,593/mo#784 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.2%#173 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.
Oak Park 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. Oak Park is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Oak Park safe?
Oak Park recorded 236 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% below the US rate of 373 and 40% below Illinois's 393. That ranks #427 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #196 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oak Park Police Department. Property crime runs 2,997 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Oak Park | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 236#427 of 1,083 | 393 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,997#950 of 1,083 | 1,680 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
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 Oak Park?
The median household in Oak Park earns $110,820, 44% above the US figure of $76,827 and 42% above Illinois ($78,304). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Oak Park | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $110,820#232 of 1,312 | $78,304 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.4%#274 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
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 Oak Park?
The median resident of Oak Park is 40.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 72.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #32 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Oak Park | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 72.5%#32 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 60% | 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 Oak Park's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Oak Park; its public schools have 12.8 students per teacher and spend $25,632 per pupil. 27.3% of adults are obese and 8.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Oak Park | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12.8#154 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $25,632#53 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 27.3%#237 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.6%#159 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 12.8%#48 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 5.6%#117 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. 8,852 students are enrolled in Oak Park's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Oak Park?
The average commute in Oak Park is 31.6 minutes (Illinois 25); 13.1% of workers take transit and 31% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Oak Park scores 15.6 of 20 (most walkable), #11 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 | Oak Park | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 31.6 min#1187 of 1,312 | 25 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.6%#1036 of 1,312 | 10.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 45% | 68.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 13.1% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.3% | 2.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.6% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 31% | 12.1% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.6#11 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 | Oak Park | 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 Oak Park?
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 | Oak Park | 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 Oak Park compare with similar-size cities?
Oak Park is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #34 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 53,292.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #76 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 | 31.6 min |
| Pinellas Park, FLPop. 53,560 | #708 | 54.8 | $63,432 | $1,631/mo | 247 | 22.5 min |
| Methuen Town, MAPop. 53,475 | #171 | 65.3 | $113,310 | $1,749/mo | 114 | 27.7 min |
| Galveston, TXPop. 53,424 | #1086 | 48.2 | $55,631 | $1,298/mo | 506 | 20.2 min |
| Diamond Bar, CAPop. 53,355 | #755 | 54.1 | $108,281 | $2,521/mo | 124 | 33.3 min |
| Eagle Mountain, UTPop. 53,290 | #451 | 59.0 | $113,648 | $2,020/mo | no data | 32.3 min |
| Aspen Hill, MDPop. 53,279 | #266 | 62.8 | $111,575 | $1,916/mo | no data | 34.1 min |
| Edina, MNPop. 53,262 | #25 | 72.2 | $128,767 | $1,844/mo | 52 | 20.4 min |
| Elyria, OHPop. 53,035 | #894 | 51.9 | $54,945 | $906/mo | 186 | 22.6 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 Oak Park compare with the rest of Illinois?
Oak Park ranks #7 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 69.2 against Illinois's statewide 52. Its households earn 42% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 64% 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 |
| Palatine, ILPop. 66,293 | #11 | 66.5 | $97,819 | $1,549/mo | 86 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Oak Park among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $78,304, violent crime 393 per 100,000.
How is Oak Park's score calculated?
Oak Park scores 69.2 out of 100, #76 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 Oak Park. Similar-size median 55.5.
66.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Oak Park's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
70.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Oak Park. Similar-size median 58.9.
77.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Oak Park's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
90.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Oak Park's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
56.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Oak Park. Similar-size median 56.1.
74.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Oak Park. Similar-size median 42.4.
37.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Oak Park. Similar-size median 50.0.
72.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Oak Park's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
76.8 - 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: Oak Park'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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park
Is Oak Park, IL a good place to live?
Oak Park ranks #76 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #34 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($110,820, #128 of 524) and low poverty (7.4%, #130 of 524), and trails on long commutes (31.6 min, #456 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Oak Park?
Oak Park'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 $1,593/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $486,880, 64% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Oak Park?
Oak Park recorded 236 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% below the US rate of 373 and 40% below Illinois's 393. That ranks #427 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #196 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oak Park Police Department. Property crime runs 2,997 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Oak Park?
The median household in Oak Park earns $110,820, 44% above the US figure of $76,827 and 42% above Illinois ($78,304). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Oak Park?
Median rent in Oak Park is $1,593/mo (Census), #784 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,025/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Oak Park?
Zillow's typical home value in Oak Park is $486,880, up 10.7% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $465,500.
How are the public schools in Oak Park?
There is no city graduation rate for Oak Park; its public schools have 12.8 students per teacher and spend $25,632 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Oak Park?
The average commute is 31.6 minutes, #1187 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25 minutes across Illinois. 9.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Oak Park?
Oak Park 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 Oak Park walkable?
Oak Park scores 15.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #11 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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park?
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 Oak Park?
Oak Park has 53,292 residents. The median resident of Oak Park is 40.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 72.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #32 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Oak Park compare with the rest of Illinois?
Oak Park ranks #7 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 69.2 against Illinois's statewide 52. Its households earn 42% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 64% above the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Oak Park?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Oak Park's population of 53,292 are Pinellas Park, FL (#708 overall), Methuen Town, MA (#171 overall), Galveston, TX (#1086 overall), Diamond Bar, CA (#755 overall), and Eagle Mountain, UT (#451 overall). Oak Park is #76.