What to know when moving to Creston, IL
Creston at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 34.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 26.1% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $70,536, which provides a solid economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- With a 5.6% unemployment rate, job seekers may find some challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Median gross rent is $870, so budget accordingly.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Creston is a small community with a population of 301, where many residents are homeowners, as 73.9% own their homes. The median gross rent of $870 is relatively affordable, making it accessible for those looking to rent. The local education level is decent, with over one-third of the residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. However, job seekers may face challenges with a 5.6% unemployment rate and no public transit options available, which indicates a car-dependent lifestyle.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transportation, as only 0% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $870, while the median owner-occupied home value is $179,500.
- 34.1% of residents have a bachelor's degree, and the poverty rate stands at 2.3%.
- With 0% of residents commuting via public transit, plan on a car for transportation.
- 26.1% of the population are renters, indicating a strong ownership presence.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Creston is based on state-level statistics for Illinois. Overall, the state has shown a downward trend in crime rates.
- Violent crime rate: 245.7 per 100,000, which is lower than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime rate: 1549 per 100,000, slightly higher than the national average of 1546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Creston has access to several educational institutions in the region.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 3
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 3
- Nearby institutions include Northern Illinois University and Kishwaukee College, both located in DeKalb County.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Ogle County experiences an average annual precipitation of 26.2 inches, with around 108 rainy days each year. The area enjoys a mild climate, making outdoor activities feasible throughout the year.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Rochelle Railroad Park - 4.7 stars (671 reviews)
- Prairie Park - 4.6 stars (323 reviews)
- Kids Ground (Cooper Park) - 4.7 stars (299 reviews)
- Skare Park - 4.6 stars (159 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Ogle County, the local economy shows signs of stability but does have some challenges.
- Unemployment rate: 5.6% as of December 2025.
- Total employed: 22,839.
- Total labor force: 24,206.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.