What to know when moving to Crest Hill, IL
Crest Hill at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 31.8% of residents are renters and the median household income is $71,413.
- The Major Draw:
- The median gross rent is $1,386, which is accessible for many households.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 1% of residents commute via public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 45 rainy days a year, so investing in a good umbrella is wise.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Crest Hill has a population of 17,226, with a median household income of $71,413, reflecting a stable community. About 24.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a moderately educated environment. The housing landscape reveals that 31.8% of residents are renters, which may appeal to those looking for more flexible living arrangements.
Probably not your spot if: you rely on public transportation, as only 1% of residents use it for commuting.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,386, which is fairly reasonable for the area.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $223,000, providing options for both buyers and renters.
- 24.4% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, indicating a community with a moderate education level.
- The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, reflecting some economic diversity.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Illinois has shown a downward trend in crime rates over recent years, with a significant drop in both violent and property crimes.
- Violent crime rate in Illinois is 245.7 per 100k, which is lower than the national rate of 325.3 per 100k, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime rate is 1,549 per 100k, slightly above the national rate of 1,546.9 per 100k, but down 16.1% since 2022.
- The homicide rate is 4.5 per 100k, which is comparable to the national rate of 4.3 per 100k, with a 52.6% decrease since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
In the Crest Hill area, there are numerous educational opportunities available.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 89
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 82
- Notable nearby schools include Adler University, American Academy of Art College, and Chicago State University.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Crest Hill experiences an annual total precipitation of approximately 18.7 inches, with around 45 rainy days each year. This means residents should be prepared for a fair amount of wet weather.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Grant Park - 4.7 stars (20,830 reviews)
- Maggie Daley Park - 4.7 stars (8,503 reviews)
- National Museum of Mexican Art - 4.8 stars (3,666 reviews)
- Horner (Henry) Park - 4.6 stars (1,710 reviews)
- Palmisano (Henry) Park - 4.7 stars (1,380 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Cook County provides a solid foundation for residents.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% as of December 2025.
- Employed individuals: 2,616,332.
- Labor force participation stands at 2,741,497.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.