223 movers in Des Plaines

What to know when moving to Des Plaines, IL

TL;DR: Des Plaines at a Glance

The Vibe:
A community with a median household income of $84,044 and 31.5% of residents renting.
The Major Draw:
Access to 38 postsecondary institutions, including Oakton College.
The Reality Check:
9.1% of residents live below the poverty line.
Commute:
Only 4.7% use public transit for commuting.
Top Tip:
Budget for a median gross rent of $1,406.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

Des Plaines features a population of over 60,000 residents, with 42.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The community is moderately diverse in housing, with 31.5% of households renting. However, with only 4.7% of commuters relying on public transportation, a car is likely necessary for getting around.

Probably not your spot if: You prefer a high transit share, as only 4.7% use public transit.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median gross rent is $1,406, which is essential to budget for when considering a move.
  • Median owner-occupied home value stands at $300,700, reflecting the local real estate market.
  • The community has a poverty rate of 9.1%, indicating some economic diversity.
  • 31.5% of residents are renters, showcasing a significant rental market.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

Crime rates in Illinois show a downward trend in both property and violent crime, making the state slightly safer than the national average.

  • Violent crime rate in Illinois is 245.7 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 325.3, indicating a 28.7% decrease since 2022.
  • Property crime rate is 1,549 per 100,000, slightly higher than the national average of 1,546.9, but has decreased by 16.1% since 2022.
  • Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 52.6% since 2022, currently at 4.5 per 100,000.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).

Schools & Higher Ed

Des Plaines offers access to a variety of educational institutions, with 38 total schools in the area, including community colleges and universities.

  • Notable nearby institutions include Oakton College in Des Plaines and City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College in Chicago.
  • With 36 schools having College Scorecard data, there are plenty of options for higher education.

Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

Cook County experiences an annual precipitation of about 18.7 inches over approximately 45 rainy days. This means you might need to invest in some good rain gear.

  • Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out include Lake Park (4.7 stars, 1,327 reviews) and Gallery Park (4.7 stars, 1,000 reviews).
  • Another great option is Prairie Lakes Park, rated 4.7 with 844 reviews, ideal for enjoying the outdoors.

Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.

Jobs & the Local Economy

In Cook County, where Des Plaines is located, the labor force is robust with over 2.7 million people contributing to the economy.

  • Unemployment rate stands at 4.6% as of December 2025.
  • Approximately 2.6 million people are employed in the county.
  • The total labor force in Cook County is about 2.7 million individuals.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

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Who regulates Des Plaines interstate movers?

Des Plaines moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of Illinois

Let's see how many people move within Illinois versus those who moved from Prairie State to another state.

Moved Within IL
30%
Moved out of IL
70%

From a statistical point of view, the relocation scene in Illinois goes like this: 30% local moves vs. 70% interstate moves. So, more than half of the home movers have decided to move out of the state.

If you also plan to move out of state, remember that interstate moving requires much more careful planning and meticulous organization than moving locally. Do yourself a favor and start the preparation of your long-distance move with a good moving checklist.

Who regulates Illinois local movers

Moving companies engaged in the transportation of household goods must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Agency: Illinois Commerce Commission
Address: 527 East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (800) 524-0795
Website: icc.illinois.gov

What do people move within Illinois?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in IL?

Studio (8%)
1 Bedroom (21%)
2 Bedroom (24%)
3 Bedroom (15%)
4 Bedroom (8%)

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How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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