Is Joliet Safe, Pros and cons of living in Joliet

Joliet, a city with a rich industrial past and a developing present, offers a unique blend of suburban accessibility and urban amenities. Located in Will County, Illinois, it sits southwest of Chicago, providing residents with a gateway to the larger metropolitan area while maintaining its own distinct identity. The city is known for its historical significance, including its role in the steel industry and its connection to Route 66.

As Joliet continues to evolve, it presents a compelling option for those seeking a balance between affordability, opportunity, and a community-focused atmosphere. Understanding the various facets of life in Joliet, from its safety and economic landscape to its educational offerings and climate, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this dynamic Illinois city.

Is it Safe to Live in Joliet?

Joliet’s safety profile is a complex picture, with crime rates showing variations across different areas of the city. While some reports indicate a crime rate that is higher than the national average, others suggest it is lower. For instance, one analysis states that Joliet has a crime rate that is 24.55 per 1,000 residents, with a C+ grade indicating it’s about average for a U.S. city, but it ranks in the 48th percentile for safety, meaning it’s safer than 48% of cities but less safe than 52% (CrimeGrade.org). Another source indicates that the total crime rate in Joliet is 25% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). This discrepancy highlights the importance of looking at specific types of crime and neighborhood data.

When examining violent crime, the chance of being a victim in Joliet is reported as 1 in 288, which equates to about 3 per 1,000 inhabitants (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also a consideration, with one report stating a rate of 12 per 1,000 population, indicating an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime compared to other U.S. communities (NeighborhoodScout). However, other data suggests property crime is 29.3% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest, with chances of being a victim of crime varying from 1 in 31 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 62 in the northwest (CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living in Joliet

The cost of living in Joliet is generally considered to be lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for many individuals and families. Overall, Joliet’s cost of living is approximately 7% lower than the U.S. average (RentCafe). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, utilities, and goods and services.

Housing expenses in Joliet are notably lower than the national average, with home prices averaging around $353,983 (RentCafe). The median rent for an apartment in Joliet is approximately $1,546 (RentCafe), though other sources provide slightly different figures, with average rents for studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms ranging from $962 to $1,292 in 2026 (Zumper). Utilities are also more affordable, being about 8% less pricey than the national average (RentCafe).

While groceries may be slightly higher than the national average, other expenses like clothing tend to be less expensive. For instance, groceries are around 0% different from the national average, while clothing costs around 4% less (RentCafe). Healthcare services can be about 6% more expensive, but entertainment and grooming services are generally cheaper (RentCafe).

Housing Costs

Joliet’s housing market presents a more affordable landscape compared to many other areas. The median home price in March 2026 was reported at $328,000, showing a slight increase of 2.3% from the previous year (Redfin). Other sources indicate a median sale price of $248,817 as of February 2026 (Zillow), and a median home value of $259,875, up 1.9% over the past year (Zillow). These figures suggest a stable or gently rising market.

For renters, the average rent for an apartment in Joliet is around $1,546 per month (RentCafe). Specific apartment types show a range, with studio apartments averaging $1,114, one-bedroom units at $1,356, and two-bedroom units at $1,639 (RentCafe). It’s worth noting that apartment rent has seen a slight decrease of -1.1% in the past year, according to some data (Apartments.com).

Salary and Employment

The average annual salary in Joliet is approximately $51,975, which breaks down to about $24.99 per hour (ZipRecruiter). However, other sources provide a higher average salary of $73,046 per year or $35 per hour (ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Joliet was reported as $93,848 (Data Commons), while another source states it as $92,201 (US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). These figures suggest a range of earning potentials within the city.

Joliet’s unemployment rate has seen some fluctuation, with recent data indicating it at 7.30% (YCharts). This is lower than the long-term average of 8.01% for the area (YCharts). The employment rate in Joliet is currently around 93.46% (BestNeighborhood.org), suggesting a robust job market for those actively seeking employment.

Major Employers and Job Market

Joliet’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers, reflecting a shift from its historical manufacturing base. Amazon stands out as one of the largest employers, with a significant number of employees (Patch). Other key employers include AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center and Will County government (Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Will County Center for Economic Development).

Healthcare and retail trade are significant industries in Joliet, comprising over 35% of all jobs (Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago). Projections indicate continued growth in the healthcare sector, with jobs for teachers and other education-related professions also expected to increase (Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago). The city’s strategic location, with access to rail lines, expressways, and waterways, also positions it as a notable inland port and a player in the global supply chain.

Climate in Joliet

Joliet experiences a classic four-season climate, characterized by cold winters and warm, humid summers. The average temperature ranges from a low of 16°F in January to a high of 85°F in July (myPerfectWeather). Winters can be freezing, snowy, and windy, while summers are long, warm, humid, and wet (myWeather). The city enjoys a substantial amount of sunshine annually, with over 2,550 hours, particularly from June through September (myPerfectWeather).

Precipitation in Joliet averages around 40 inches annually, with May typically seeing the most rainfall (myPerfectWeather). June is noted as the wettest month, receiving substantial rainfall across about 15 days (myPerfectWeather). Conversely, February is the driest month, with less snow and rainfall (myPerfectWeather). Annual snowfall is moderate, around 23 inches, with January being the snowiest month (myPerfectWeather).

Education in Joliet

Joliet’s educational landscape includes a mix of public and private institutions. The city is served by several school districts, with Joliet Public School District 86 and Joliet Township High School District 204 being prominent. Public schools in Joliet have an average math proficiency score of 13% and a reading proficiency score of 18%, which are below the Illinois state averages (Niche).

However, there are some schools that stand out. Eisenhower Academy is recognized as a high-performing elementary school, ranking among the top in Illinois for student proficiency in English Language Arts and Mathematics (SchoolDigger.com). Other institutions like Joliet Junior College and the University of St. Francis offer higher education opportunities within the city (Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago).

Demographics of Joliet

Joliet is a diverse city with a population of approximately 150,000 to 152,000 residents, making it one of the more populated cities in Illinois (Data Commons, US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The racial composition is varied, with White residents forming the largest group, followed by Hispanic and Black or African American populations (US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Neilsberg). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute a significant portion of the population, around 34.2% to 34.7% (US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Neilsberg).

The median age in Joliet is around 35.8 years, with a slightly higher male population than female (Data Commons, US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The median household income is also substantial, with figures around $92,201 (US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey) and $93,848 reported (Data Commons). Despite this, a notable percentage of families, around 9.2% to 11.06%, live below the poverty line (US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).