Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
DeKalb is a medium-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 42,961 people. If we look at the most recent Census, DeKalb is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. DeKalb could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 25 years old is below the nation’s average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 35% of the DeKalb population is married.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in DeKalb, Illinois could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around DeKalb, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like health & safety, employment, housing and more.
Using data and statistics DeKalb has received a livability score of 75 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 88th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a terrific score, as DeKalb ranks well in multiple categories! Based on the rankings for each individual category, DeKalb has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A-) and housing (B). On a more negative note, DeKalb does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (F), education (D) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. DeKalb excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in DeKalb is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in DeKalb come in at $165,500, which is 5.3% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In DeKalb, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 23.3% higher than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | DeKalb | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.4% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.8% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.6% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.9% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.4% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.8% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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