What to know when moving to Morton Grove, IL
Morton Grove at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 52.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 15.5% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $106,078, providing a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,210, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 4.4% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,210 monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Morton Grove is characterized by its educated population, with over half of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The area has a median household income of $106,078, indicating a strong economic base. However, only 15.5% of the population rents, suggesting a community that leans towards homeownership. With just 4.4% of residents commuting via public transit, this is a car-dependent area.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable rental options, as the median gross rent is $2,210.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,210, which may stretch budgets for renters.
- Median home value is $377,000, indicating a solid investment for buyers.
- 52.1% of residents have a bachelor's degree, reflecting a highly educated community.
- 7.7% of the population lives below the poverty line, which is relatively low.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, crime rates reflect significant trends. The state has seen a decrease in violent crime, with a current annual rate of 245.7 per 100,000, down 28.7% from 2022. Property crime is also trending down, with a rate of 1549 per 100,000, a 16.1% decrease since 2022.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1549 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1546.9, down 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Morton Grove has access to a range of educational institutions across the region, with a total of 50 nearby schools. Notable options include:
- American Islamic College, Chicago, IL
- Concordia University-Chicago, River Forest, IL
- Dominican University, River Forest, IL
- City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College, Chicago, IL
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While the climate data is unavailable, Morton Grove offers several outdoor attractions perfect for weekend outings. Some notable nearby spots include:
- Kohl Children's Museum - 4.6 stars (2,513 reviews)
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum - 4.7 stars (2,231 reviews)
- Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve - 4.7 stars (764 reviews)
- Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park - 4.6 stars (596 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.6%, with a labor force of 2,741,497. The total number of employed individuals is 2,616,332, indicating a robust job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% (December 2025)
- Employed: 2,616,332
- Labor force: 2,741,497
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.