What to know when moving to Wilmette, IL
TL;DR: Wilmette at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 84.5% hold a bachelor's degree and only 11.7% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $190,250, making it one of the wealthier areas in the region.
- The Reality Check:
- Median home value is $800,100, which may be a stretch for many buyers.
- Commute:
- 16.3% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,968/mo rent if you plan to rent here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Wilmette is characterized by its highly educated population, with 84.5% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The community features a low poverty rate of 3.4%, indicating a well-off demographic. However, with only 11.7% of residents renting, it suggests that potential newcomers may face a competitive housing market. The area sees about 45 rainy days per year, so a decent umbrella might be a good investment.
Probably not your spot if: you are looking for affordable housing options, as the median home value stands at $800,100.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,968, which reflects the high desirability of the area.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $800,100, indicating a premium housing market.
- 84.5% of residents hold at least a bachelor's degree, contributing to the area's affluent character.
- Poverty rate is just 3.4%, showing a strong economic standing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, property crime is reported at an annual rate of 1,549 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the national average of 1,547. However, the state has seen a 16.1% decrease in property crime since 2022. Violent crime is also lower than the national average, with an annual rate of 245.7 per 100,000, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3, showing a significant decline.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9, with a downward trend.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 52.6% since 2022, standing at 4.5 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Wilmette has access to a total of 32 postsecondary institutions in the nearby region, with 30 of those having data available from the College Scorecard. This includes various colleges and universities, primarily concentrated in Cook County.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 32
- With College Scorecard data: 30
- Notable nearby schools include American Islamic College and City Colleges of Chicago.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Cook County receives about 18.7 inches of precipitation annually, with an average of 45 rainy days each year. There are no snow days reported, making for a relatively mild climate. Nearby, you can enjoy several parks and outdoor spots that are popular among residents.
- Lincoln Park Zoo - 4.6 stars, 37,891 reviews
- Gillson Park - 4.6 stars, 2,110 reviews
- Gallery Park - 4.7 stars, 1,000 reviews
- Techny Prairie Park and Fields - 4.7 stars, 465 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Cook County's unemployment rate stands at 4.6% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 2,741,497 people. The total employment figure in the county is approximately 2,616,332.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% as of December 2025.
- Total employment: 2,616,332.
- Total labor force: 2,741,497.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.