What to know when moving to Wood Dale, IL
Wood Dale at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 25.1 percent of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 23 percent of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $90,299.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 1.3 percent of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,649/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Wood Dale has a population of 14,381, with a median household income of $90,299. About 25.1 percent of residents have a bachelor's degree, indicating a relatively educated community. The housing market shows that 23 percent of residents are renters, with median gross rent at $1,649. However, commuting options are limited, as only 1.3 percent utilize public transit, making this a car-dependent area.
Probably not your spot if you prefer extensive public transit options or lower housing costs.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,649, while the median owner-occupied home value is $307,600.
- 25.1 percent of the population holds a bachelor's degree, and the poverty rate stands at 6.0 percent.
- Only 1.3 percent of residents commute using public transit.
- The community has a renter percentage of 23.0 percent.
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 higher than the national rate of 1,546.9. However, property crime has decreased by 16.1 percent from 2022 to 2025. The violent crime rate is 245.7 per 100,000, which is 24.5 percent lower than the national average.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3, down 28.7 percent since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100k vs. national rate of 1,546.9, down 16.1 percent since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 52.6 percent since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Wood Dale has access to 36 postsecondary institutions, with 33 providing College Scorecard data. Notable nearby options include:
- Cannella School of Hair Design in Villa Park
- College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn
- Elmhurst University in Elmhurst
- Midwestern University in Downers Grove
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While weather data is unavailable, Wood Dale offers several outdoor spots to enjoy. Parks and preserves in the area include:
- Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve - 4.7 stars (568 reviews)
- The Preserve at Oak Meadows - 4.4 stars (384 reviews)
- Cricket Creek County Forest Preserve - 4.6 stars (308 reviews)
- Salt Creek Park - 4.5 stars (184 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In DuPage County, the unemployment rate is 3.7 percent as of December 2025, with a labor force of 515,974 and 496,833 people employed.
- Unemployment rate: 3.7 percent
- Employed: 496,833
- Labor force: 515,974
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.