What to know when moving to Niles, IL
Niles at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 39.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 23.3% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- A median household income of $78,868, providing a solid financial backdrop.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 4.5% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,247.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
In Niles, you'll find a mostly stable community with a population of 30,463 and a median household income of $78,868. The education level is relatively high, with 39.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. However, the area skews towards homeowners, as only 23.3% of the population are renters. With only 4.5% of residents using public transit, a car is essential for getting around.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for strong public transportation options, as the low transit usage suggests a car-dependent lifestyle.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,247, which may be manageable compared to other nearby areas.
- Median home value stands at $351,100, indicating a fairly typical housing market.
- 39.1% of residents have at least a bachelor's degree, suggesting a well-educated community.
- Poverty rate in the area is 8.1%, reflecting a generally stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Illinois indicates a state-level perspective, showing that property crime is at an annual rate of 1,549 per 100,000 residents, slightly higher than the national average of 1,547. However, the state has seen a 16.1% decrease in property crime since 2022. Violent crime stands at 245.7 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national rate of 325.3, with a notable 28.7% drop in violent crime over the same period.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100,000, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100,000, down 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 52.6% since 2022, currently at 4.5 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Niles has access to a range of educational institutions, with a total of 69 postsecondary schools in the nearby area. This includes both local options and regional institutions.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 69
- Nearby examples: Cosmetology Concepts Niles and Rosel School of Cosmetology.
- Other notable institutions within the region: Adler University and American Academy of Art College in Chicago.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While weather data is unavailable, Niles offers several outdoor spots that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Notable places nearby include:
- Kohl Children's Museum - 4.6 stars from 2,513 reviews
- Lake Park - 4.7 stars from 1,327 reviews
- Bunker Hill Forest Preserve - 4.7 stars from 1,116 reviews
- Niles Park District Oasis Waterpark - 4.4 stars from 386 reviews
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the unemployment rate is currently at 4.6%, with a labor force of approximately 2.7 million people. Out of this, about 2.6 million are employed, indicating a relatively stable job environment.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% as of December 2025.
- Employed population: 2,616,332.
- Total labor force: 2,741,497.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.