Chatham 81 Exceptional
Chatham Livability #86 ranked city in Illinois#1,401 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Chatham

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

What's it like Living in Chatham?

Located in the state of Illinois, Chatham is a medium-sized city with a population of 13,697 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Chatham is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Chatham is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 24 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Chatham is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Illinois, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Chatham and in the areas around Chatham is a much easier task.

The livability score in Chatham is 81 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 95th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Chatham would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Chatham also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Chatham ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Chatham does not rank well for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

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. Chatham shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 103 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.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Chatham, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.1% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Chatham can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Chatham is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Chatham come in at $357,930, which is 16% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Chatham, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 28.6% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Chatham

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Compare Chatham, IL Livability

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      Chatham transportation information

      Statistic Chatham Illinois National
      Average one way commute24min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.8%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.9%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home7.6%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Chatham, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.