What to know when moving to Arlington Heights, IL
TL;DR: Arlington Heights at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 58.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and just 22.7% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $124,962, which is a significant advantage.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 5% of the residents commuting via public transit, it's a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,703 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Arlington Heights is characterized by its strong educational background, with nearly 59% of residents having at least a bachelor's degree. The community is predominantly homeowners, with only 22.7% renting, which suggests a stable residential environment. The median household income of $124,962 indicates a relatively affluent area, while the low poverty rate of 6.1% reflects economic stability. However, public transit is not a primary mode of transport for residents, as only 5% utilize it, making a car necessary for commuting.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer urban living with robust public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,703, which reflects the area's higher income levels.
- Median home value stands at $415,100, indicating a competitive housing market.
- The community has a 58.7% bachelor's degree attainment rate, suggesting a highly educated population.
- The poverty rate is low at 6.1%, contributing to a stable economy.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the annual rate for violent crime is 245.7 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 325.3. Property crime rates are also relatively low at 1,549 per 100,000 compared to the national rate of 1,546.9. Notably, the state has experienced a significant decrease in violent crime, dropping by 28.7% from 2022 to 2025.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100k vs. national 325.3, trend down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, trend down 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate dropped by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education in the Arlington Heights area is robust, with a total of 19 postsecondary institutions nearby. This includes 14 in Cook County, providing a variety of options for higher education.
- Postsecondary institutions: 19
- With College Scorecard data: 18
- Nearby institutions include Oakton College and City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Arlington Heights sees an average annual precipitation of about 18.7 inches, spread over 45 rainy days. This means you might want to keep an umbrella handy, especially during the spring when it receives 6.2 inches over 16 days. The area is also home to some great parks for outdoor activities.
- Kohl Children's Museum - 4.6 stars, 2,513 reviews
- Lake Park - 4.7 stars, 1,327 reviews
- Century Park Arboretum - 4.7 stars, 1,005 reviews
- Gallery Park - 4.7 stars, 1,000 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Cook County shows an unemployment rate of 4.6% as of December 2025. There are approximately 2.6 million employed individuals in the area, indicating a solid labor market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% (December 2025)
- Employed: 2,616,332
- Labor force: 2,741,497
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.