Is DeKalb Safe, Pros and cons of living in DeKalb

DeKalb, Illinois, offers a blend of Midwestern charm and the conveniences of a larger city, making it an attractive option for those seeking a new place to call home. Situated about 65 miles west of Chicago, DeKalb provides a more relaxed pace of life while still maintaining proximity to a major metropolitan area.

The city is known for its strong educational presence, anchored by Northern Illinois University, which significantly shapes the local economy and cultural landscape. DeKalb’s history is rooted in agriculture and industry, with a notable past in barbed wire manufacturing and a continued connection to the agricultural sector.

Is it Safe to Live in DeKalb?

DeKalb’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with some statistics indicating a higher-than-average occurrence of certain crimes. The rate of violent crime in DeKalb is nearly three times the national rate, according to 2023 FBI crime statistics. Within Illinois, over 94% of communities have a lower crime rate than DeKalb.

When comparing DeKalb to similar-sized communities, its combined violent and property crime rate is notably higher than the average. The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in DeKalb is approximately 1 in 231, with a rate of 4 per 1,000 inhabitants. Property crime also remains a concern, with a rate of 27 per 1,000 population, meaning a person’s chance of becoming a victim is about 1 in 37.

Housing Costs and Trends

DeKalb’s housing market offers more affordability compared to the national average. The median home value in DeKalb is around $192,200, which is significantly lower than the national average of $281,900. This makes homeownership more accessible for many residents.

The DeKalb housing market is described as very competitive, with the median sale price of a home being $270,000 in March 2026. Homes in DeKalb, IL, sell for a median price of $270K, with prices increasing by 10.7% compared to the previous year. The median sale price per square foot is $173, showing a year-over-year increase of 17.7%.

Rental prices in DeKalb are also relatively affordable. The average rent in DeKalb, IL, is $1,095 per month. This is lower than the national average rent of $1,910. Rental prices in DeKalb have seen some fluctuations, with a month-over-month decrease of -27 in April 2026 and a year-over-year increase of $63.

Cost of Living and Salaries

DeKalb’s overall cost of living is considered more affordable than the national average. The cost of living in DeKalb, Illinois, is 11% lower than the national average. Housing expenses are particularly lower, being 29% below the national average, and utility prices are 8% lower.

The average annual salary in DeKalb is approximately $49,675, which breaks down to about $23.88 per hour. Most salaries in DeKalb range between $35,250 and $61,516 annually. The median household income in DeKalb was $46,481 in 2024.

Despite the lower average salary compared to the national median of $74,580, the lower cost of living in DeKalb helps to offset this difference. This makes DeKalb an appealing option for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses effectively.

Job Market and Major Employers

DeKalb’s job market is significantly influenced by its educational institutions and a diverse range of industries. Northern Illinois University (NIU) is the city’s largest employer, providing a substantial number of jobs in education and research. Other major employers include Northwestern Medicine, General Electric, and Ferrara Candy Company.

The city also benefits from its strategic location, attracting major companies like Target, 3M, and Nestlé, which operate distribution and warehousing facilities in the area due to proximity to major highways. These companies contribute to a varied employment landscape, offering opportunities in retail, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare.

The unemployment rate in DeKalb County was 5.40% as of the latest available data, which is slightly lower than the long-term average of 5.57%. This indicates a relatively stable job market.

Climate and Weather

DeKalb experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally long, warm, and wet, while winters are short, cold, snowy, and windy. The temperature typically ranges from 15°F to 82°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -5°F or exceeding 90°F.

The warmest period in DeKalb lasts from May to September, with average daily high temperatures above 71°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 63°F. Conversely, the cold season extends from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 39°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 15°F and highs of 29°F.

DeKalb experiences noticeable seasonal variations in humidity. The muggier period typically spans from June to September, with July having the most days that are muggy or worse. The month with the fewest muggy days is January.

Education and School Ratings

DeKalb is served by the DeKalb Community Unit School District No. 428, which includes several elementary schools, two middle schools (Clinton Rosette and Huntley), and DeKalb High School. DeKalb High School is rated as an above-average public school, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.

According to Niche, DeKalb High School has an overall grade of B minus, with an A minus for diversity and B plus for both college prep and extracurricular activities. Proficiency in math is at 15%, and in reading at 20%, based on state test scores. The DeKalb Community Unit School District No. 428 itself receives an overall Niche grade of B minus.

While the district has strengths, some reports indicate challenges. One source notes a rating of 2/10 on the State of Illinois school ratings site and mentions over 800 police-assisted calls during the 2021-2022 school year across 11 schools.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, DeKalb had a population of 40,290. The population density was approximately 2,353.66 inhabitants per square mile. The median age in DeKalb is 27.7 years, with 20.4% of residents under 18 and 11.6% aged 65 or older.

The racial makeup of DeKalb is diverse. White residents constitute about 56.4% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 19.9%, and Black residents at 13.8%. In DeKalb County, White residents make up 71.0% of the population, with Hispanic residents at 14.5%, Black residents at 6.8%, and Asian residents at 2.2%.

The city’s population is projected to be around 39,514 in 2026, with a slight annual rate of change of -1.1%. DeKalb households have a median income of $46,481, with about 17.6% of families living below the poverty line.