Chicago, IL

Chicago IL scores 75/100 on safety (above average). Crime is about 14% below the national average. Pick the neighborhood carefully. Some ZIPs are fine, others are not.

Detail: overall crime index 86 (100 = avg); violent crime index 81; property crime index 91. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

Campus scores in the report: Chicago Elementary (elementary) at 7/10; Chicago Middle School (middle) at 7/10; Chicago High School (high) at 8/10. On this 10-point scale, 7 is solidly middle; 9 is a standout.

District picture: about B+ (above average) · Top 32% in Illinois. Student-teacher staffing: 15:1. If schools drive your move, compare the specific campuses that serve your target address against statewide peers.

Typical rent in Chicago is about $1,781/month (on the high side). At $1,781/month for a typical unit, you need about $64,116+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $304,500.

Median household income is $71,673, property taxes run about 2.14%, and homes typically sell in around 35 days. Local median income ($71,673) clears the $64,116 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 72°F (highs near 79°F, lows near 65°F).

Most of the year is outdoor-friendly; peak summer still needs AC for comfort. Cooling costs matter more than heating for most of the year. If you visit, go in late summer so you feel the heat, not just a mild weekend.

Who tends to thrive in Chicago: (1) Households that want quieter streets (safety sits at 75/100) (2) People relocating for a job who can pick a safer ZIP (citywide safety is 75/100) (3) Households earning $64,116+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,781/month (4) Movers with a locked job offer in Chicago who already priced rent, schools, and commute

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People planning to buy (property taxes are about 2.14%, above average, and add meaningfully to monthly costs) (2) Anyone stretching past 40% of take-home on housing at $1,781/month (3) Households expecting top marks on rent, safety, and schools at once (Chicago does not clear every bar)

Income sniff test: clear about $64,116 household income for $1,781/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Chicago IL is not worth a speculative move. Come only for a specific job or family reason.

The strongest upside is safety at 75/100 (above what many metros post).

The biggest risk for buyers is property tax at about 2.14%. That adds real monthly cost on top of the mortgage.