Is Cicero Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cicero

Cicero, a town nestled in Cook County, Illinois, offers a unique blend of affordability and community spirit just west of Chicago. With a population exceeding 84,000 residents, Cicero presents a close-knit atmosphere that is surprisingly accessible. The town’s real estate market is a significant draw, featuring a median home value considerably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for many.

This guide delves into the various facets of living in Cicero, providing a comprehensive overview of its safety, cost of living, job market, climate, education, and demographics. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering a move to this vibrant Illinois community.

Is it Safe to Live in Cicero?

Cicero’s crime rate is a critical consideration for potential residents. Overall crime rates in Cicero are reported to be lower than the national average, with some analyses indicating a 25% decrease per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). However, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood within the town.

Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Cicero depends on the specific area, with some neighborhoods experiencing higher incident rates than others (as reported by CrimeRate.com). While the town is considered safer than 39% of U.S. cities according to one report, others suggest it is safer than 24% of U.S. cities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The cost of crime per resident is estimated to be around $499 annually, which is slightly above the national average (as reported by CrimeRate.com).

Housing and Cost of Living

Housing Market Overview

Cicero’s housing market is characterized by its affordability compared to national and even regional averages. The median home value in Cicero is approximately $224,300 (as reported by Kurby AI), which is significantly lower than the national average of $281,900 (as reported by Kurby AI). This affordability extends to the rental market as well, with a median rent of around $1,354 per month (as reported by Kurby AI), also below the national average of $1,163 per month (as reported by Kurby AI).

The median listing price for homes in Cicero is around $299,000, indicating a relatively stable market for both buyers and sellers (as reported by Home.LLC). Year-over-year, the median days on market for homes for sale has decreased by 15.38%, suggesting a moderately active market (as reported by Home.LLC). The price per square foot for homes in Cicero is about $223 (as reported by Home.LLC).

Cost of Living Comparison

Overall, Cicero’s cost of living is generally considered to be lower than the national average. One report indicates it is 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Specifically, housing expenses in Cicero are about 27% lower than the national average, and utility prices are approximately 8% lower (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are comparable to the national average (as reported by Payscale).

However, grocery prices in Cicero are slightly higher than the national average, by about 2% (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs are also a bit higher, around 6% above the national average (as reported by Payscale). Despite these variations, the overall affordability, particularly in housing, makes Cicero an attractive option for many.

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers and Industries

Cicero has historically been an industrial town, with a significant concentration of factories producing various goods. While specific current major employers are not detailed in the provided search results, historically, industries included communications and electronic equipment, sugar, printing presses, steel castings, and tool and die supplies (as reported by Wikipedia). Today, large retail and logistics companies have a presence, with companies like Walmart, Costco Wholesale, McDonald’s, FedEx, Target, Dollar General, Kroger, and Amazon.com listed as significant businesses in the area (as reported by Indeed.com).

Manufacturing remains a key sector, with companies like GE, Sabert, Avon, The Royal Group, and Solo Cup Company operating in Cicero (as reported by Indeed.com). The healthcare sector is also present, with the Children’s Center of Cicero-Berwyn providing services (as reported by Zippia).

Employment and Income Statistics

The job market in Cicero is powered by a substantial working population. As of the most recent data, the unemployment rate in Cicero stands at approximately 5% (as reported by Point2Homes). Other reports indicate an unemployment rate of 6.20% (as reported by YCharts) or 6.4% (as reported by Data Commons). The median household income in Cicero was reported as $70,842 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes, Census Dots, and World Population Review).

The average annual household income in Cicero was reported as $86,201 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). However, other sources cite a lower average salary. For instance, one report states the average annual salary in Cicero is $53,002 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), while another indicates an average salary of $73,121 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The median income for a family was $56,632 (as reported by Wikipedia).

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Precipitation

Cicero experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm, humid, and wet, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 85°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, snowy, and windy, with average low temperatures in January dropping to around 19°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The temperature throughout the year generally ranges from 18°F to 85°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Annual precipitation averages around 39 inches, with snowfall contributing to winter totals (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The month with the most precipitation is typically May, with an average of 5 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The driest months are generally in the winter, with January seeing an average of about 5.0 days with precipitation (as reported by Wikipedia).

Environmental Factors

Cicero’s air quality is generally considered good, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43 (as reported by Kurby AI). The climate risk for the area is described as relatively moderate (as reported by Kurby AI). The town experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers (as reported by Plantmaps).

The climate data for Cicero indicates a typical year with average low temperatures around 6.3°C and average high temperatures around 15.2°C, with an annual precipitation of 1010.15 mm (as reported by Plantmaps). Average monthly weather data, based on reports from Chicago Midway Airport (4 miles away), shows January with an average high of 33°F and a low of 20°F, while July sees an average high of 85°F and a low of 67°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Education and Demographics

School System Overview

Cicero is served by Cicero School District 99, which includes a number of elementary schools and a junior high school. While the district overall receives a low rating, some individual schools are noted for their performance. For example, Abe Lincoln Elementary School and Liberty Elementary School show higher proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics compared to district and state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

However, the district faces challenges, including high rates of chronic absenteeism and disparities in per-student spending and student-teacher ratios (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Morton College is also located in Cicero, offering higher education opportunities (as reported by Wikipedia).

Population and Diversity

As of the 2020 census, Cicero had a population of 85,268 (as reported by Wikipedia). More recent estimates place the population around 82,797 (as reported by Census Dots and World Population Review). The town is notable for its diverse population, with a significant Hispanic majority. Hispanic residents make up approximately 87.5% of the population (as reported by Census Dots and World Population Review).

Other racial and ethnic groups include White (7.5%), Black or African American (4.0%), Asian (0.4%), and Multiracial populations (as reported by Census Dots and World Population Review). The median age in Cicero is approximately 34.4 years (as reported by Data Commons and World Population Review).

Pros and Cons of Living in Cicero

Advantages of Cicero Living

One of the primary advantages of living in Cicero is its affordability, particularly in the housing market. With median home values and rents significantly lower than the national average, it presents a more accessible entry point for homeowners and renters (as reported by Kurby AI, Payscale). The town’s cost of living is generally lower than the national average, with notable savings on housing and utilities (as reported by Payscale).

Cicero also offers a sense of community and a more suburban feel while remaining close to the amenities of Chicago. Its industrial history has shaped its character, and it continues to be a hub for various businesses and industries, providing employment opportunities (as reported by Wikipedia, Indeed.com).

Challenges and Considerations

A significant consideration for potential residents is Cicero’s crime rate, which, while showing some improvement in certain metrics, is still viewed as higher than the national average by some analyses (as reported by CrimeRate.com, NeighborhoodScout). Specific neighborhoods may experience higher crime rates, requiring careful research into local conditions (as reported by CrimeRate.com).

The educational system in Cicero faces challenges, including lower proficiency rates in some schools and high chronic absenteeism (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). While the town offers affordability, the median income is lower than the national average, which is an important factor for financial planning (as reported by Kurby AI, Wikipedia).