What to know when moving to Elmwood Park, IL
TL;DR: Elmwood Park at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 31.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 35.7% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $82,746, which provides a solid financial backdrop.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 6.3% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent lifestyle.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,309 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Elmwood Park presents a community with a median household income of $82,746, reflecting a stable economic environment. The area has a balanced mix of homeowners and renters, with 35.7% of the population renting their homes. Education is valued here, as indicated by the 31.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. However, the low public transit usage suggests that residents often rely on cars for commuting.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer a highly walkable environment, as only 6.3% of residents commute via public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,309, while the median owner-occupied home value stands at $315,300.
- About 8.1% of residents live below the poverty level, indicating a relatively stable economy.
- The community has a renter percentage of 35.7%, suggesting a good mix of residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the crime rates show a significant downward trend for both violent and property crimes, indicating an improving safety profile.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100k, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100k, down 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates decreased by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Residents of Elmwood Park have access to a variety of educational institutions in the nearby area, with a total of 87 postsecondary options available within the region.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 87
- With College Scorecard data: 80
- Notable nearby schools include Adler University and the City Colleges of Chicago.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Elmwood Park experiences an annual precipitation of approximately 18.7 inches, with around 45 rainy days each year. The climate supports outdoor activities, particularly in the spring and summer months.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Millennium Park (Rating: 4.8, 91,508 reviews)
- Lincoln Park Zoo (Rating: 4.6, 37,890 reviews)
- Garfield Park Conservatory (Rating: 4.8, 10,354 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the job market shows a total employment of 2,616,332 individuals, with an unemployment rate of 4.6% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% (December 2025)
- Employed: 2,616,332
- Labor force: 2,741,497
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.