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, Illinois is a medium-sized city with a population of 44,075 people. The majority of DeKalb residents report their race to be White; this is followed by 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. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in DeKalb, only 35% of the population is married.
Are you trying to decide if living in DeKalb is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good 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 DeKalb and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, education, employment, 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 DeKalb has received a livability score of 76/100. This score is ranked in the 89th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in DeKalb could be a great choice! There are nine total categories that form the livability score. DeKalb ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A) Regrettably for DeKalb, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F), education (D) and employment (F).
Finding affordable real estate and housing in DeKalb 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 DeKalb is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in DeKalb come in at $300,932, which is 2.5% 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 4.5, which is 28.6% higher 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 | 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% |
Here are the best places to live in Illinois
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Illinois
See the best places to live in DeKalb
Safest Cities In The US