What to know when moving to Vernon Hills, IL
Vernon Hills at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 66.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 33% of households are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $121,588, providing a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $1,862, housing costs can be high for some.
- Commute:
- Only 2.7% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $390,300 to secure a place in this community.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Vernon Hills presents a community with a solid educational background, as 66.4% of residents have earned a bachelor's degree. The median household income of $121,588 highlights the area's affluence. However, with 33% of the population renting, many may face the challenge of higher housing costs, as indicated by the median gross rent of $1,862. The limited public transit usage suggests that most residents rely on cars for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a low-cost living, as the median rent is quite high, making it less accessible for budget-conscious individuals.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,862, which can impact monthly budgeting.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $390,300, reflecting the area's housing market.
- 5.5% of the population lives below the poverty line, indicating a relatively stable economic environment.
- Renter percentage stands at 33%, suggesting a significant portion of the population prefers renting.
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, slightly above the national average of 1,547. However, the state has seen a 16.1% decrease in property crime since 2022. Violent crime rates in Illinois are at 245.7 per 100,000, which is 24.5% lower than the national average of 325.3. Notably, the homicide rate has decreased by 52.6% since 2022, down to 4.5 per 100,000 residents.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3, with a 28.7% drop since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546, down 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Vernon Hills has access to a total of 12 postsecondary institutions, primarily located in nearby Lake County. Notable options include:
- Empire Beauty School-Vernon Hills
- College of Lake County in Grayslake
- Lake Forest College in Lake Forest
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is not available, there are several outdoor spots in and around Vernon Hills worth visiting:
- Independence Grove Forest Preserve - 4.8 stars from 3,637 reviews
- Kohl Children's Museum - 4.6 stars from 2,513 reviews
- Century Park Arboretum - 4.7 stars from 1,005 reviews
- Half Day Forest Preserve - 4.7 stars from 750 reviews
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Lake County's job market is characterized by the following figures:
- Unemployment rate: 5.8% as of December 2025
- Employment: 340,180 individuals
- Labor force: 360,967 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.