What to know when moving to Wheeling, IL
Wheeling at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 40.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 38.9% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- A median household income of $83,449 makes it a financially appealing choice.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 8.7%, it presents some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 3.9% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,578 to find your new home.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Wheeling, Illinois, has a population of 38,340, with a solid median household income of $83,449. The area has a good mix of renters and homeowners, with nearly 39% of the population renting. Educationally, the community is quite engaged, with over 40% of residents having at least a bachelor's degree. While public transportation usage is low, the overall suburban feel is complemented by local parks and amenities.
Probably not your spot if you rely heavily on public transit, as the transit share is only 3.9%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,578, which can help you plan your monthly budget.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $243,500, indicating a reasonable entry point for home buyers.
- Approximately 40.5% of the residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 8.7%, suggesting some economic diversity in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Illinois shows a mixed picture, with some improvements over the years.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 245.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 24.5% lower than the national rate.
- Property crime: The annual rate is 1,549 per 100,000 residents, slightly above the national average of 1,546.9 but has decreased by 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have dropped by 52.6% since 2022, showing a significant improvement in safety.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Wheeling, IL has access to a range of educational institutions in the nearby region.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 24
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 23
- Nearby notable schools include Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling and Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Cook County receives an average of 18.7 inches of precipitation annually, spread across about 45 rainy days. This means you might want to keep an umbrella handy.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Kohl Children's Museum (4.6 stars, 2,513 reviews)
- Lake Park (4.7 stars, 1,327 reviews)
- Gallery Park (4.7 stars, 1,000 reviews)
- Wheeling Park District (4.6 stars, 964 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the local economy shows a robust employment landscape.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% as of December 2025.
- Employed population: 2,616,332.
- Labor force participation stands at 2,741,497.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.