What to know when moving to Hickory Hills, IL
Hickory Hills at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 28.3% of residents are renters and the median household income is $85,360.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 58 postsecondary institutions within the region.
- The Reality Check:
- 3.6% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent lifestyle.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,112 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Hickory Hills features a diverse population of about 14,674 residents, with a median gross rent of $1,112 and a home value of $278,000. The education level is moderate, with 25.5% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area is relatively low in poverty at 6.2%, but with only 3.6% of the population commuting via public transport, residents typically rely on cars for their daily travel.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a robust public transit system, as the low percentage of public transit users suggests a necessary reliance on vehicles.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,112, while the median home value is $278,000, making it relatively affordable compared to many areas.
- Approximately 28.3% of the residents are renters, which indicates a balanced community of homeowners and renters.
- The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, contributing to overall community stability.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the crime rates show a decreasing trend. The violent crime rate stands at 245.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 24.5% lower than the national average. Property crime is at 1549 per 100,000, slightly above the national rate of 1546.9, but has seen a 16.1% decrease since 2022.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1549 per 100k vs. national 1546.9 per 100k, down 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicides have decreased by 52.6% since 2022, now at 4.5 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Hickory Hills offers access to a total of 58 postsecondary institutions in the region, with 50 located in Cook County. This includes well-known schools such as Adler University and American Academy of Art College, providing a range of educational opportunities nearby.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 58
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 52
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Hickory Hills residents can enjoy nearby outdoor options such as Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve and Millennium Park, both offering natural beauty and recreational activities.
- Millennium Park - Rating: 4.8 (91,508 reviews)
- Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Rating: 4.6 (4,137 reviews)
- Field Museum - Rating: 4.7 (29,976 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, where Hickory Hills is located, the unemployment rate is currently 4.6%, with a labor force of 2,741,497 individuals. There are approximately 2,616,332 people employed in the county, indicating a stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% as of December 2025
- Labor force: 2,741,497
- Employed: 2,616,332
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.