What to know when moving to Hillside, IL
Hillside at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 30.9% of residents rent and 26.8% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $70,772, allowing for a comfortable living.
- The Reality Check:
- 6.2% of residents commute via public transit, indicating low reliance on public transport.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,265.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Hillside features a population of 8,133, with a median household income of $70,772, suggesting a stable economic environment. Education is a focus in the area, with 26.8% of residents holding bachelor's degrees. About 30.9% of the housing is rented, indicating a mix of homeowners and renters.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for robust public transit options, as only 6.2% of residents use public transportation for their daily commute.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,265, while the median owner-occupied home value is $233,800.
- The community has a 5.3% poverty rate, reflecting a relatively stable economic demographic.
- About 30.9% of the residents are renters, indicating a significant portion of the population chooses to lease rather than buy.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the crime rates indicate a trend of decreasing violence and property offenses.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100k, down 28.7% from 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100k, down 16.1% from 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has 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
Access to education in the area is notable, with a total of 44 postsecondary institutions nearby.
- 41 institutions provide College Scorecard data, indicating a range of educational options.
- Some nearby schools include Dominican University and City Colleges of Chicago.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, there are several local parks and outdoor spots worth exploring.
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art - 4.9 stars (978 reviews)
- Burr Ridge Community Center @ Harvester Park - 4.8 stars (820 reviews)
- Northside Park - 4.8 stars (782 reviews)
- Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park - 4.7 stars (777 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the job market shows signs of stability with a decent employment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% as of December 2025.
- Total employment stands at 2,616,332.
- The labor force is comprised of 2,741,497 individuals.
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS).