Elmhurst 87 Exceptional
Elmhurst Livability #11 ranked city in Illinois#307 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Elmhurst

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing 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.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

What's it like Living in Elmhurst?

Elmhurst, Illinois is a moderately-sized city with a population of 48,413 inhabitants. With a population density of 4,718 people per square mile, Elmhurst is well above the nation's average density level. The majority of Elmhurst residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. 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 Elmhurst is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 29 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Elmhurst, Illinois. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Elmhurst and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety and other important metrics.

Elmhurst, IL receives 85/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #13 in Illinois and #367 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Elmhurst ranks well in multiple categories! Elmhurst also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we check out each of the categories on their own, we see that Elmhurst ranks well for amenities (A-), crime (A+), education (A) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Elmhurst. The following was graded with a discouraging score: cost of living (F).

Elmhurst has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Elmhurst has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 60 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Elmhurst boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Elmhurst market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Assuming that Elmhurst meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Elmhurst. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Elmhurst are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Elmhurst come in at $782,949, which is 153.7% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Elmhurst, the home price to income ratio is 4.3, which is 22.9% higher than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Elmhurst

See all the best places to live around Elmhurst

How Do You Rate The Livability In Elmhurst?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Elmhurst, IL Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      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.

      Local Insights Report

      Elmhurst transportation information

      Statistic Elmhurst Illinois National
      Average one way commute29min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work68.3%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.6%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit11.2%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.5%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home11.7%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Elmhurst, 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.