What to know when moving to Franklin Park, IL
TL;DR: Franklin Park at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 24.5% renters and a median household income of $76,404.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,092, making housing relatively affordable.
- The Reality Check:
- 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line, which might affect local services.
- Commute:
- Only 2.6% of residents use public transit for their commute.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for nearby attractions like Lilacia Park, rated 4.8 stars.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Franklin Park is characterized by its relatively affordable housing options and a mix of renters and owners. With 18.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, the community has a moderate educational background. However, with only 2.6% of residents commuting via public transit, this is a car-dependent area, so plan accordingly. The presence of parks and recreational facilities like Lilacia Park shows that outdoor spaces are valued by the community.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for robust public transport options since the transit share is quite low.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,092, which is manageable for many budgets.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $261,800, indicating a fairly affordable housing market.
- 18.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to a diverse community.
- The poverty rate is 13.7%, which may impact local resources.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, property crime has a state annual rate of 1,549 per 100,000 people, which is slightly higher than the national rate of 1,547. Violent crime is at a rate of 245.7 per 100,000, below the national average of 325.3. Notably, the homicide rate has decreased by 52.6% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100,000 vs. national average 325.3, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100,000 vs. national average 1,547, down 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Franklin Park residents have access to a total of 57 postsecondary institutions in the region, with 43 located in Cook County. Some notable nearby options include Dominican University and City Colleges of Chicago.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 57
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 53
- Nearby notable institutions: Dominican University, City Colleges of Chicago
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While the climate data is unavailable, Franklin Park offers several parks and outdoor spaces worth visiting. Nearby attractions include:
- Lilacia Park - 4.8 stars from 2,401 reviews
- Franklin Park Ice Arena - 4.4 stars from 386 reviews
- Wonder Works Children's Museum - 4.5 stars from 709 reviews
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the unemployment rate is currently at 4.6%, with a labor force of 2,741,497. There are approximately 2,616,332 employed individuals in the area, indicating a stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% (December 2025)
- Employed: 2,616,332
- Labor force: 2,741,497
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.