What to know when moving to Thornton, IL
TL;DR: Thornton at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a median household income of $61,111 and 18.7% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,099, which is quite affordable for the area.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 15.9%, economic challenges are present.
- Commute:
- Only 2.9% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Be prepared for an average of 45 rainy days a year.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Thornton has a population of 1,876, which gives it a tight community feel. The area has a relatively low renter percentage of 18.7%, indicating a predominance of homeowners. Education levels show that only 24.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which might affect local job opportunities.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a highly educated community or robust public transit options, as only 2.9% of residents commute by public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median household income is $61,111, offering a decent quality of life.
- Median gross rent sits at $1,099, which is manageable for many.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $146,600, making homeownership attainable.
- The poverty rate is 15.9%, indicating economic challenges for some residents.
Source: Census ACS 5-Year Data Profile.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Illinois indicates a mixed safety profile, with trends that reveal some improvements over recent years.
- Violent crime rate is 245.7 per 100,000, lower than the national rate of 325.3, showing a 28.7% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime rate stands at 1549 per 100,000, slightly above the national average of 1546.9, but has decreased by 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has significantly decreased by 52.6% since 2022, now at 4.5 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Thornton offers access to a variety of nearby educational institutions, making it accessible for higher education.
- Total of 28 postsecondary institutions in the area.
- 26 of these institutions have data available through the College Scorecard.
- Nearby options include Chicago State University and several beauty and nursing academies in the region.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Cook County experiences an average annual precipitation of 18.7 inches and about 45 rainy days per year. Snowfall is negligible, which means you can expect more rain than snow.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Erfert Park - 4.4 stars (230 reviews)
- Thornwood Park - 4.3 stars (46 reviews)
- Thornton Historical Society Museum - 4.8 stars (18 reviews)
- Thorn Creek Park - 4.2 stars (25 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the unemployment rate is currently at 4.6%, reflecting a stable job market.
- Employed individuals total approximately 2,616,332.
- The total labor force is about 2,741,497.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.