What to know when moving to Oak Park, IL
Oak Park at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 79% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 82.4% of housing is rented.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $103,448, providing a solid financial backdrop for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $2,295, housing can be pricey for newcomers.
- Commute:
- About 16.2% of residents commute via public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,295/month in rent if you're looking to move here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Oak Park is characterized by its high educational attainment, with 79% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The area has a strong rental market, with 82.4% of its population renting their homes. The median household income of $103,448 suggests a financially stable community, but potential residents should be prepared for higher housing costs, as the median gross rent sits at $2,295. The public transit usage is relatively modest, with only 16.2% of residents relying on it for their commute.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable rent, as the median gross rent is significantly higher than the national average.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,295, which may strain budgets for newcomers.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $230,300, reflecting the local real estate market.
- 79% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, indicating a highly educated community.
- The poverty rate is low at 6%, contributing to the area's overall economic stability.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Oak Park is reflective of state-level statistics from Illinois.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 245.7 incidents per 100k residents, which is 24.5% lower than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: The state annual rate is 1,549 incidents per 100k residents, slightly above the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The violent crime rate has decreased by 28.7% from 2022 to 2025.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Oak Park residents have access to a large number of educational institutions both locally and in nearby areas.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 90
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 83
- Nearby options include Adler University and the American Academy of Art College, both located in Chicago.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Oak Park offers several outdoor attractions for residents and visitors alike.
- Chicago Children's Museum - 4.6 stars (6,935 reviews)
- Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago - 4.4 stars (6,509 reviews)
- National Museum of Mexican Art - 4.8 stars (3,666 reviews)
- Oak Park Conservatory - 4.7 stars (796 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the local economy supports a substantial workforce.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% as of December 2025.
- Employment figures stand at 2,616,332 individuals.
- The labor force consists of 2,741,497 people.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.