Is Mount Prospect Safe, Pros and cons of living in Mount Prospect
Mount Prospect, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the vibrant Chicago metropolitan area. Situated approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and close to O’Hare International Airport, this village provides a desirable location for many. Its community is characterized by a mix of families and young professionals, drawn to its well-regarded public schools and a generally safe environment.
The village boasts a population of over 56,000 residents, reflecting a diverse community with a significant portion identifying as White, followed by Hispanic and Asian populations. Mount Prospect provides an urban-suburban feel, with ample parks and a variety of dining options contributing to its appeal as a place to live and raise a family. Residents often describe the community as friendly and welcoming, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Is it Safe to Live in Mount Prospect?
Mount Prospect is considered a safe community with a crime rate that is notably lower than the national average. Overall crime rates are 54% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 75% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents have a 1 in 103 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Mount Prospect, which is a lower risk compared to many other U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes).
Property crime rates are also significantly lower than the national average, with a 49.6% decrease (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, burglary rates are 57% below average, and larceny/theft is 22% below average (as reported by DoorProfit). This overall lower incidence of crime contributes to the perception of Mount Prospect as a secure place for its residents.
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Mount Prospect is competitive, with a median sale price for homes in March 2026 reported at $524,000, showing a 36.0% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Mount Prospect tend to sell quickly, with an average of 45 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).
Rental prices in Mount Prospect are also on the higher side, with the average rent for all bedrooms and property types being $2,225, which is 11.25% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow). The median home value is approximately $433,814 (as reported by Trulia), and housing expenses are reported to be 67% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Cost of Living
Mount Prospect’s overall cost of living is higher than the national average, estimated to be 19% higher (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing expenses are a significant factor, being 63% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Other essential costs, such as groceries and healthcare, also tend to be above the national average, by 4% and 16% respectively (as reported by PayScale).
Transportation costs are slightly higher, about 4% above the national average (as reported by PayScale). While utility prices are 5% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale), the combined expenses make Mount Prospect a more expensive place to live compared to the national average.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Mount Prospect is home to several significant employers, contributing to its robust job market. Key companies include CVS Caremark, which employs approximately 1,400 individuals, and Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, with around 650 employees (as reported by Wikipedia). Other notable employers in the village are Cummins-Allison Corporation and the Village of Mount Prospect itself (as reported by Wikipedia).
The diverse economic base also includes companies like NTN USA Corporation, a manufacturer of bearing units and power transmission equipment, and Rauland-Borg, which is involved in communication systems. These major employers provide a range of job opportunities across various sectors within the village.
Average Salary and Unemployment
The average annual salary in Mount Prospect is reported to be around $49,196, equating to approximately $23.65 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average salary for jobs in Mount Prospect, with ERI SalaryExpert reporting $73,066 per year or $35 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Mount Prospect was $101,720 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT).
The unemployment rate in Mount Prospect was 3.70% as of the most recent data, which is lower than the long-term average of 4.66% (as reported by YCharts). This indicates a relatively stable job market with a good supply of available employment opportunities.
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Weather
Mount Prospect experiences a climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Average annual maximum temperatures range from -1°C in January to 29°C in July (as reported by Time and Date). The summer months can be warm and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 25°C, making the heat feel more intense (as reported by Time and Date).
Winter months bring colder temperatures, with average highs around -1°C in January (as reported by Time and Date). The humidity in winter can make the cold feel more pronounced. The climate offers distinct seasons, providing a typical Midwestern weather experience for its residents.
Precipitation and Snowfall
The annual precipitation in Mount Prospect averages around 37 inches, with the month of May typically receiving the most rainfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is also a notable feature of the climate, with an average of 37 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The snowy season generally lasts from November to April, with January being the snowiest month, averaging approximately 11.5 inches of snow (as reported by myPerfectWeather). From May to October, Mount Prospect typically experiences no snowfall.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Mount Prospect is served by several school districts, with Mount Prospect School District No. 57 being a highly-rated public school district. It serves students in grades PK-8 and has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 47% of students are proficient in math and 55% in reading within this district (as reported by Niche).
Other districts serving the village include River Trails School District 26, Elk Grove Community Consolidated School District 59, Buffalo Grove-Wheeling Community Consolidated District 21, and Arlington Heights School District 25. These districts collectively offer a range of educational options for the community’s youth.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Mount Prospect had a population of 56,852 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). The population density is approximately 5,285 people per square mile (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Mount Prospect is 40.7 years, with 22.3% of residents under 18 and 17.7% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia).
The racial and ethnic composition of Mount Prospect is primarily White (61%), followed by Hispanic (18.1%) and Asian (15.4%) residents (as reported by CUBIT). The village has become more diverse since the 2020 census, though it is less diverse than Illinois overall (as reported by Census Dots).