By Manuella Irwin
Updated: Sep 4, 2026
6 min read
Reviewed by Martin Pаnауоtоv
Martin is founder of MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
230 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.
