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Is Wheaton a Good Place to Live? Wheaton, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Wheaton ranks #30 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #14 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (34 per 100,000, #3 of 442) and low poverty (5.6%, #60 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Wheaton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Wheaton'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 Wheaton?
Wheaton'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 $1,799/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $514,751, 73% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Wheaton | 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 | $514,751#839 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 | $2,182/mo#793 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $455,700#901 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,799/mo#964 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18%#247 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.
Wheaton 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. Wheaton is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Wheaton safe?
Wheaton recorded 34 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 91% below the US rate of 373 and 91% below Illinois's 393. That ranks #11 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #3 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wheaton Police Department. Property crime runs 473 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Wheaton | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 34#11 of 1,083 | 393 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 473#20 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 Wheaton?
The median household in Wheaton earns $120,008, 56% above the US figure of $76,827 and 53% above Illinois ($78,304). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.2%). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Wheaton | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $120,008#157 of 1,312 | $78,304 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 5.6%#140 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1.3%#186 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 Wheaton?
The median resident of Wheaton is 36.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 64.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #89 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Wheaton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 64.5%#89 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 71.7% | 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 Wheaton's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Wheaton; its public schools have 14.4 students per teacher and spend $19,210 per pupil. 28.2% of adults are obese and 8.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Wheaton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.4#362 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,210#248 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 28.2%#277 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.5%#145 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.6%#94 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 5.1%#73 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. 10,048 students are enrolled in Wheaton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Wheaton?
The average commute in Wheaton is 25.7 minutes (Illinois 25); 4.2% of workers take transit and 25.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Wheaton scores 12.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.8°F and winters 26.2°F, with 33.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Wheaton | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.7 min#828 of 1,312 | 25 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 10%#1056 of 1,312 | 10.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 59.5% | 68.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4.2% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4% | 2.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 25.7% | 12.1% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.2#453 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 | 30.5 | 16.1 | 1.3 |
| Feb | 34.9 | 19 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 47 | 28.3 | 2 |
| Apr | 59.6 | 37.9 | 3.4 |
| May | 70.9 | 48.7 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 80.6 | 58.9 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 84 | 63.3 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 82 | 61.8 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 75.5 | 53.7 | 3 |
| Oct | 62.4 | 42 | 3 |
| Nov | 47.7 | 31.1 | 2.2 |
| Dec | 35.4 | 21.4 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Chicago W Chicago Dupage Airport.
| Measure | Wheaton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 26.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 33.2 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 W Chicago Dupage Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Wheaton?
DuPage County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts DuPage County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
| Measure | Wheaton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#234 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 DuPage County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, DuPage County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.011% | 58% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0033% | 55% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.077% | 44% 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 Wheaton compare with similar-size cities?
Wheaton is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #14 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 53,557.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheaton, ILPop. 53,557 | #30 | 72.0 | $120,008 | $1,799/mo | 34 | 25.7 min |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #830 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 | 18.5 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 |
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 Wheaton compare with the rest of Illinois?
Wheaton ranks #2 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 72 against Illinois's statewide 52. Its households earn 53% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 91% below the statewide rate. Homes are 73% 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 Wheaton among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $78,304, violent crime 393 per 100,000.
How is Wheaton's score calculated?
Wheaton scores 72 out of 100, #30 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 Wheaton. Similar-size median 55.5.
74.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Wheaton's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
100.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Wheaton. Similar-size median 58.9.
74.9 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Wheaton's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
68.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Wheaton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
54.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Wheaton. Similar-size median 56.1.
82.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Wheaton. Similar-size median 42.4.
55.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Wheaton. Similar-size median 50.0.
65.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Wheaton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
58.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
70.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Wheaton'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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
Is Wheaton, IL a good place to live?
Wheaton ranks #30 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #14 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (34 per 100,000, #3 of 442) and low poverty (5.6%, #60 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Wheaton?
Wheaton'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 $1,799/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $514,751, 73% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Wheaton?
Wheaton recorded 34 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 91% below the US rate of 373 and 91% below Illinois's 393. That ranks #11 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #3 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wheaton Police Department. Property crime runs 473 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Wheaton?
The median household in Wheaton earns $120,008, 56% above the US figure of $76,827 and 53% above Illinois ($78,304). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.2%). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Wheaton?
Median rent in Wheaton is $1,799/mo (Census), #964 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,182/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Wheaton?
Zillow's typical home value in Wheaton is $514,751, up 5.3% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $455,700.
How are the public schools in Wheaton?
There is no city graduation rate for Wheaton; its public schools have 14.4 students per teacher and spend $19,210 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Wheaton?
The average commute is 25.7 minutes, #828 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25 minutes across Illinois. 10% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Wheaton?
Wheaton averages 49.7°F over the year, 71.8°F in summer and 26.2°F in winter, with 33.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Wheaton walkable?
Wheaton scores 12.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #453 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 Wheaton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts DuPage County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Wheaton?
DuPage County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Wheaton?
Wheaton has 53,557 residents. The median resident of Wheaton is 36.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 64.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #89 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Wheaton compare with the rest of Illinois?
Wheaton ranks #2 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 72 against Illinois's statewide 52. Its households earn 53% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 91% below the statewide rate. Homes are 73% above the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Wheaton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Wheaton's population of 53,557 are Elkhart, IN (#830 overall), Pinellas Park, FL (#708 overall), Methuen Town, MA (#171 overall), Galveston, TX (#1086 overall), and Diamond Bar, CA (#755 overall). Wheaton is #30.