What to know when moving to La Grange, IL
TL;DR: La Grange at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 52.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 20.4% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $113,718, providing a solid financial base for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- While the poverty rate is low at 5.8%, the median gross rent is $1,475, which may be high for some.
- Commute:
- 8.2% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,475 in monthly rent to secure a place in this desirable area.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
La Grange is characterized by its highly educated population, with over half of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The community has a significant number of renters, with 20.4% of the population leasing their homes, reflecting a diverse living situation. Median household income stands at $113,718, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle, though the median rent of $1,475 may be a consideration for those moving in.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable rent, as the costs can be quite high compared to other areas.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $1,475, while the median home value is $422,500.
- With 52.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, the area has a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is low at 5.8%, indicating economic stability.
- About 20.4% of the population are renters, suggesting a significant owner-occupied housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, crime rates show a notable trend of improvement. The state has reported a decline in violent crime by 28.7% from 2022 to 2025, with an annual rate of 245.7 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 325.3. Property crime has also decreased by 16.1% during the same period, with a rate of 1,549 per 100,000 residents, slightly above the national average of 1,546.9.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 28.7% since 2022
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 16.1% since 2022
- Notable trend: Homicides down 52.6% since 2022, with a rate of 4.5 per 100k
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
La Grange has access to a robust educational infrastructure with a total of 36 nearby postsecondary institutions, including 33 with College Scorecard data. This provides residents in the area with ample opportunities for higher education.
- Postsecondary institutions: 36
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 33
- Notable nearby schools include Concordia University-Chicago and Dominican University.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is unavailable, there are several outdoor spots worth exploring nearby. Spring Rock Park and Gordon Park are popular local parks that residents enjoy.
- Spring Rock Park - 4.7 stars, 368 reviews
- Gordon Park - 4.5 stars, 320 reviews
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art - 4.9 stars, 978 reviews
- Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center - 4.3 stars, 2,333 reviews
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the employment landscape appears stable with a labor force of 2,741,497 people. The unemployment rate is currently at 4.6%, which reflects the broader economic conditions of the area.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% as of December 2025
- Employed: 2,616,332
- Labor force: 2,741,497
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.