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.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
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.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Oswego is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 36,709 people. At 79%, the majority of the Oswego population is White; this is followed by 7% Black and 3% Asian. Something to be aware of when living in Oswego are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 32 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating 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 area before actually living in Oswego, 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. The best areas in Oswego and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.
Oswego, IL receives 78 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #114 in Illinois and #2,166 in the USA. Clearly, Oswego is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. The cherry on top is that Oswego also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Oswego ranks well for crime (A+), education (B) and housing (A+) Unfortunately for Oswego, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).
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 Oswego, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 34 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
The Oswego unemployment rate of 1.9% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Oswego has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Oswego real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Oswego. Median real estate prices in Oswego come in at $446,811, which is 44.8% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Oswego, the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 11.4% 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 | Oswego | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.0% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.5% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.3% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.5% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.6% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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