What to know when moving to Lincolnwood, IL
Lincolnwood at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 56.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 15.6% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $107,950, which is a strong point for local amenities and services.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $3,501, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 3.3% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $3,501/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Lincolnwood has a population of 13,179, with a significant portion of residents experiencing a higher income level. With 56.8% of the community holding a bachelor's degree, it leans toward an educated demographic. However, the area has a low renter percentage at 15.6%, suggesting a strong homeownership culture. The high median gross rent of $3,501 may be a barrier for those looking for affordable housing options.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for budget-friendly rent options, as the median gross rent is quite steep.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $3,501, which could be challenging for budget-conscious movers.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $475,400, indicating a solid investment for homeowners.
- Approximately 4.7% of the population lives below the poverty line, reflecting a relatively stable economic environment.
- Only 3.3% of residents commute via public transit, highlighting a reliance on cars for transportation.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the crime landscape shows a decline in both property and violent crimes over the past few years.
- Violent crime: 245.7 incidents per 100,000 residents, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 incidents per 100,000 residents, a slight increase of 0.1% from the national average.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has significantly decreased by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Lincolnwood has access to a total of 73 nearby postsecondary institutions, reflecting a robust educational landscape.
- 73 total postsecondary institutions in the nearby area.
- 67 of those institutions have College Scorecard data available.
- Notable nearby schools include Adler University and the 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 outdoor spots nearby that residents can enjoy.
- Lincoln Park Zoo - 4.6 stars from 37,891 reviews.
- Field Museum - 4.7 stars from 29,976 reviews.
- Garfield Park Conservatory - 4.8 stars from 10,354 reviews.
- Chicago Children's Museum - 4.6 stars from 6,935 reviews.
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the employment landscape reflects a stable economy.
- Unemployment rate is currently at 4.6% as of December 2025.
- Total employment stands at approximately 2,616,332 individuals.
- The labor force comprises about 2,741,497 people.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.