What to know when moving to Itasca, IL
TL;DR: Itasca at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 48.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 29% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $112,247, providing a solid financial backdrop.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $1,775, which may be high for some.
- Commute:
- Only 4.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,775 in monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Itasca offers a blend of higher education and a community-focused lifestyle. With a poverty rate of just 1.7%, residents generally enjoy economic stability. The area is predominantly owner-occupied, yet 29% of the population rents, reflecting a balanced housing market. The local amenities, such as the Mallard Lake Forest Preserve, provide outdoor options, contributing to an active lifestyle.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a higher public transit share, as only 4.2% of residents rely on it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median household income is $112,247, which supports a diverse range of housing options.
- Median gross rent stands at $1,775, making it a significant monthly expense.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $386,600, indicating a robust housing market.
- With a 1.7% poverty rate, the community enjoys a relatively high standard of living.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the crime rates show a downward trend in several categories, indicating improving safety over time.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100,000, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100,000, with a decrease of 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicides decreased by 52.6% since 2022, now at 4.5 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Itasca has access to a variety of educational institutions, primarily located in nearby counties.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 31
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 30
- Nearby notable options include College of DuPage and Elmhurst University.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
DuPage County experiences an annual precipitation of 32.5 inches, with about 109 rainy days per year. Winter sees minimal snowfall, averaging just 2.1 inches annually.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Mallard Lake Forest Preserve (4.7 stars, 1,502 reviews)
- The Water Works Indoor Water Park (4.4 stars, 1,216 reviews)
- Jack A. Claes Pavilion (4.6 stars, 474 reviews)
- Central Park (4.6 stars, 445 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
DuPage County, where Itasca is located, has a healthy job market with a low unemployment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 3.7% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 496,833 individuals.
- Labor force: 515,974 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.