Illinois · Metropolitan Area
Chicago Heights is a small city in Illinois with a population of 26,938. Residents earn $57,479 per year, which is 24% below the national average.
Based on current data, Chicago Heights receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Chicago Heights has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Chicago Heights is $57,479, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 19.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
The median home value in Chicago Heights is $149,900, 47% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,035 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
With 653 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,004 per 100,000, 53% above the national average.
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Chicago Heights experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.9 inches, including 38.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 67.2% |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 32.8% |
| 145% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $57,479 |
| 24% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $25,488 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,177 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,524 |
| Unemployment | 7.6% |
| 111% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 19.8% |
| 60% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 11,872 |
| County GDP | $31,242M |
| Restaurants | 1,110 |
| Healthcare | 1,376 |
| Retail | 1,546 |
| Manufacturing | 366 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,190 |
| 20% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.80% |
| Commute Time | 31.9 min |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
| Census Median | $149,900 |
| 47% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,587 |
| Median List Price | $215,000 |
| Median List Price | $215,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $136 |
| Homes Sold | 10 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.1% |
| Price Drops | 15.1% |
| Inventory | 93 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,035 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,190 |
| 20% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.80% |
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 14.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.9% |
| Depression | 19.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 88.4% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,981/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,376 |
| Total Violent | 653.4/100K |
| 72% above US avg | |
| Murder | 23.0/100K |
| 265% above US avg | |
| Rape | 108.4/100K |
| Robbery | 394.0/100K |
| Assault | 128.1/100K |
| Total Property | 3,004.3/100K |
| 53% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 656.7/100K |
| Theft | 2,098.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 249.5/100K |
| Arson | 91.9/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 53 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 52.5°F |
| 3% below US avg | |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 40.9 inches |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 38.8 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 653 ft (199 m) |
| Area | 10.4 sq mi (26.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,598/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5107°N, 87.6347°W |
| County FIPS | 18089 |
Winner: Democrat by 5.6 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 20.2% |
| 40% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 84.9% |
| School Test Score | 5.34 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 2,598/sq mi |
| Total Area | 10.4 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 2 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 26 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,376 |
| Restaurants | 1,110 |
| Retail Stores | 1,546 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 53 |
| Avg Commute | 31.9 min |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |