What to know when moving to Lemont, IL
TL;DR: Lemont at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 44.7% hold a bachelor's degree and only 11.5% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- High median household income of $132,511 makes it a financially attractive area.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 3.6% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent lifestyle.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,046/month in rent based on median gross rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Lemont is characterized by a population of 24,255 and a community that emphasizes education, with nearly half of its residents holding a bachelor's degree. The area has a low poverty rate of 3%, which contributes to its appeal for families and professionals alike. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nearby amenities like Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, a popular spot among locals.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a high rental market; with only 11.5% renters, homeownership is the norm here.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,046, making it relatively affordable compared to nearby areas.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $466,800, indicating a strong housing market.
- Community features a 44.7% bachelor's degree attainment, supporting a well-educated populace.
- Only 3.6% of residents commute via public transit, suggesting a reliance on personal vehicles.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, crime rates show a downward trend in recent years, with property crime down by 16.1% since 2022. The state annual violent crime rate is 245.7 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average.
- 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: Homicide rate decreased by 52.6% since 2022, highlighting improved safety.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Lemont residents have access to 27 nearby postsecondary institutions, with 25 offering College Scorecard data. Notable schools include Benedictine University in Lisle and College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, among others.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 27
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 25
- Nearby examples: Benedictine University (Lisle), College of DuPage (Glen Ellyn).
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
DuPage County experiences about 32.5 inches of precipitation annually, with 109 rainy days. Residents should prepare for typical Midwestern weather, which includes a mix of rain and snow.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - 4.6 stars (4,137 reviews)
- The Forge Adventure Park & Ziplines - 4.5 stars (1,324 reviews)
- Whalon Lake Dog Park - 4.7 stars (372 reviews)
- Veterans Memorial Park - 4.6 stars (198 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In DuPage County, the unemployment rate stands at 3.7%, reflecting a stable job market. The labor force comprises 515,974 individuals, with 496,833 employed as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 3.7% (December 2025)
- Employed: 496,833
- Labor force: 515,974
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.