What to know when moving to Rolling Meadows, IL
TL;DR: Rolling Meadows at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 27.5% of residents are renters and the median household income is $96,213.
- The Major Draw:
- A median gross rent of $1,561, which is competitive for the area.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 2.3% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent environment.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,561 in monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Rolling Meadows has a population of 22,949, with 38.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area reflects a relatively modest poverty rate of 7.1%, suggesting an educated and stable community. However, with only 2.3% of the population commuting via public transit, it is best suited for those who rely on personal vehicles. There are several parks and nature preserves nearby, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a strong public transportation network, as commuting options are very limited.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,561, which reflects the cost of living in the area.
- Median home value is $295,000, indicating a reasonable entry point for homebuyers.
- Education level is relatively high, with 38.6% of residents having a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The poverty rate stands at 7.1%, contributing to the area's socioeconomic profile.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the violent crime rate is 245.7 incidents per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 325.3. Property crime stands at 1,549 per 100,000, slightly above the national rate of 1,546.9, but overall, crime trends show a decrease over recent years.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100k (down 28.7% since 2022)
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100k (down 16.1% since 2022)
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 52.6% since 2022, now at 4.5 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Rolling Meadows has access to a total of 18 postsecondary institutions, with 17 offering College Scorecard data. Notable nearby options include:
- Ambria College of Nursing in Hoffman Estates
- Oakton College in Des Plaines
- Illinois Media School in Chicago
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Cook County experiences an average annual precipitation of about 18.7 inches, with around 45 rainy days each year. This climate allows for a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
- Deer Grove Forest Preserve (4.7 stars from 975 reviews)
- Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve (4.7 stars from 764 reviews)
- Kimball Hill Park (4.7 stars from 459 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the unemployment rate is 4.6% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 2,741,497 and 2,616,332 people employed. This indicates a stable local economy.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% (December 2025)
- Employed: 2,616,332
- Labor force: 2,741,497
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.