What to know when moving to Palos Hills, IL
Palos Hills at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 25% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 20.4% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $83,969, providing a strong financial base.
- The Reality Check:
- High poverty rate at 9.2%, which may impact community resources.
- Commute:
- Only 3.3% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,267 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Palos Hills is a predominantly residential area with a population of 18,139. The community is characterized by a mix of homeowners and renters, with 79.6% owning their homes. The local education level is notable, with a quarter of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. Outdoor lovers will appreciate nearby parks and nature preserves, offering plenty of recreational opportunities.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for robust public transit options, as only 3.3% of residents commute via public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,267, offering a more affordable option compared to many nearby areas.
- Median home value is $259,200, making it a feasible market for buyers.
- 25% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to a community with a decent education level.
- Poverty rate stands at 9.2%, indicating some financial challenges within the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the property crime rate is 1,549 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly above the national average of 1,547. However, the state has seen a significant decline in violent crime, down 28.7% since 2022, with a current rate of 245.7 per 100,000.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100,000 vs. national average of 325.3, reflecting a lower rate in Illinois.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100,000, which is slightly higher than the national average.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Palos Hills provides access to a range of educational institutions, with 35 total schools in the area, including community colleges and vocational training centers.
- Postsecondary institutions: 35
- With College Scorecard data: 32
- Notable nearby schools include Moraine Valley Community College and Hair Professionals Career College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, residents can enjoy nearby outdoor spots perfect for relaxation and recreation.
- Plush Horse Palos Park - Rating: 4.8 (2,523 reviews)
- Wolfe Wildlife Park - Rating: 4.6 (659 reviews)
- Children's Museum in Oak Lawn - Rating: 4.5 (988 reviews)
- Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve - Rating: 4.6 (214 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the local economy shows a solid employment landscape with a labor force of 2,741,497 and an unemployment rate of 4.6% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% as of December 2025
- Employed: 2,616,332 individuals
- Labor force: 2,741,497 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.