What to know when moving to South Elgin, IL
South Elgin at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A suburban area with 38.5% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 18.8% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $123,700.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 1.3% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,612/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
South Elgin presents a suburban lifestyle with a relatively high income level, where the median household income stands at $123,700. The community is quite educated, with 38.5% of residents having obtained a bachelor's degree. The majority of households are owner-occupied, with only 18.8% of residents as renters. Additionally, the area has a very low public transit usage rate, with just 1.3% of residents commuting this way.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a strong public transit system, as you will likely need a car to get around.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median rent is $1,612, while the median home value is $296,200, indicating a significant investment for homeowners.
- Approximately 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, showcasing a generally stable economic environment.
- The renter percentage is low at 18.8%, suggesting a community that leans towards ownership.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the annual rate of violent crime is 245.7 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 325.3 per 100,000 residents, indicating a relatively safe environment. Property crime stands at 1,549 per 100,000 residents, slightly above the national average.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9 per 100k
- Notable trend: Violent crime has decreased by 28.7% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education is solid in the South Elgin area, with a total of 6 postsecondary institutions nearby, including:
- Columbia College - Elgin
- Elgin Community College
- Judson University
- Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Elgin
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While weather details are unavailable, South Elgin has several parks and outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy, including:
- Cantigny Park - 4.8 stars (5,850 reviews)
- Mallard Lake Forest Preserve - 4.7 stars (1,502 reviews)
- Epic Air Trampoline Park - 4.3 stars (1,384 reviews)
- Lords Park - 4.7 stars (1,292 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Kane County shows a labor force of 269,183, with an unemployment rate of 5.8% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 5.8% in December 2025
- Employed: 253,536
- Labor force: 269,183
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.