What to know when moving to Arlington, IL
TL;DR: Arlington at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A tight community with 15.8% of residents renting and a median income of $86,250.
- The Major Draw:
- With a median gross rent of $888, housing is relatively affordable compared to nearby areas.
- The Reality Check:
- Low public transit use at 0% means a car is needed for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 80 rainy days a year, so investing in rain gear is wise.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Arlington features a small population of 371, where 17.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income stands at $86,250, indicating a relatively stable economic environment. With only 15.8% of the population renting, most residents are homeowners. However, the absence of public transit options may make car ownership essential for getting around.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a robust public transit system or a larger rental market.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $888, which is affordable compared to many urban areas.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $124,300, making homeownership accessible.
- With a poverty rate of 10.8%, the community has a mix of economic backgrounds.
- Only 15.8% of residents are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the crime rates indicate a relatively safe environment. The violent crime rate is 245.7 incidents per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average of 325.3.
- Property crime rate stands at 1,549 incidents per 100,000, slightly above the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education is available with two postsecondary institutions in the nearby area.
- Postsecondary institutions: 2
- With College Scorecard data: 2
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Arlington experiences an annual precipitation of 24.1 inches and has about 80 rainy days each year, making it wise to prepare for wet weather. Snowfall is minimal, averaging just 0.5 inches annually.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Matthiessen State Park - 4.8 stars (5,648 reviews)
- Rotary Park - 4.8 stars (382 reviews)
- Westclox Museum - 4.7 stars (132 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Bureau County has a total labor force of 14,869, with an unemployment rate of 6.2% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 13,944
- Unemployment: 925
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.