Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Prospect Heights, Illinois is a moderately-sized city with a population of 15,986 residents. In Prospect Heights, there are 3,756 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. More than a quarter of the residents of Prospect Heights identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 31% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Prospect Heights, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Prospect Heights, 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 Prospect Heights, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute, housing and more.
Prospect Heights, IL receives 72 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #235 in Illinois and #4,671 in the USA. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Prospect Heights scores well for crime (A+), employment (A) and housing (A-) There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Prospect Heights. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Prospect Heights shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 143 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Prospect Heights has an unemployment rate of 2.36% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Prospect Heights apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
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 Prospect Heights is actually affordable. The median home price for Prospect Heights homes is $301,100, which is 72.3% higher than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Prospect Heights, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 40% higher than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Prospect Heights | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 70.3% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.2% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.3% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.8% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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