
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.
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.
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.
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.
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
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.
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Crete, Illinois is a small-sized city with a population of 8,275 people. The Crete population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 49, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Crete entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 34 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Crete is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating 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. The best areas in Crete and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.
Using data and statistics Crete has received a livability score of 68/100. This score is ranked in the 70th percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Crete scores well for crime (A), cost of living (A-), employment (A-) and housing (A+) Regrettably for Crete, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F) and education (D).
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Crete, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 169 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Crete 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.
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 Crete is real estate affordability. The median home price for Crete homes is $302,845, which is 1.9% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Crete, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 22.9% lower than the Illinois average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Crete | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 34min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.0% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.0% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.8% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.2% | 4.4% | 4.6% |