Is Elmhurst Safe, Pros and cons of living in Elmhurst

Elmhurst, a vibrant suburb of Chicago, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Its strategic location, just sixteen miles west of the city, provides residents with convenient access to major expressways and a swift 25-minute commute to downtown Chicago via the UP-Metra train line. This advantageous positioning, coupled with proximity to O’Hare and Midway Airports, makes Elmhurst an attractive hub for both residents and businesses.

The city boasts a strong community foundation, with over 45,000 residents and more than 2,500 businesses contributing to its dynamic economy. Elmhurst has consistently been recognized for its quality of life, earning accolades such as being named one of Family Circle Magazine’s ‘Top 10 U.S. Towns to Live In.’ Significant investment in economic development, exceeding $154 million since 2015, underscores the city’s commitment to growth and prosperity. This forward-thinking approach is supported by robust public-private partnerships and a dedicated economic development team offering various business incentives and personalized assistance.

Is it Safe to Live in Elmhurst?

Elmhurst is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. Recent FBI data indicates that the city’s overall crime rate is 58% lower than the national average. Violent crime rates are particularly low, standing 83% below the national average.

Over a recent five-year period, Elmhurst recorded a violent crime rate of 44.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 58.2% below the national average. Property crime rates are also considerably lower, averaging 77.7 per 100,000 residents, 52.5% below the national average. In fact, Elmhurst has one of the lowest violent crime rates among all U.S. cities.

Housing Costs

The housing market in Elmhurst presents a range of options, though prices have seen a notable increase. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Elmhurst was $900,000, marking a 56.5% increase compared to the previous year. The median sale price per square foot was $384, up 33.8% year-over-year.

For renters, the market also shows upward trends. The average rent in Elmhurst was reported as $3,100 as of May 2026. Month-over-month, rent prices increased by $150, while year-over-year, they decreased by $98. Rental prices can range from $1,025 to $12,900 for various property types.

Job Market and Economy

Elmhurst’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers and a growing job market. The average annual wage for a worker in Elmhurst was $71,136 as of late 2021. This figure is higher than the national average annual wage of $65,055 for the same period.

Key sectors with high average wages include Management of Companies and Enterprises, Utilities, and Information. Major employers in Elmhurst include Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare, Elmhurst School District 205, and McMaster-Carr Supply. Recently, McMaster-Carr announced plans for a significant expansion, aiming to accommodate hundreds of additional employees.

Climate and Weather

Elmhurst experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from 18°F to 84°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 1°F or exceeding 92°F. The warmest months are June, July, and August, with average high temperatures in the low 80s°F, while January is the coldest month, with average highs around 31°F and lows near 19°F.

The city receives abundant precipitation, with an average of 1053 mm (41 inches) of rain and snowfall annually. June is typically the wettest month, while January sees the fewest wet days. The most enjoyable weather for outdoor activities usually occurs from May to September, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 72°F to 84°F.

Education

Elmhurst is served by Elmhurst School District No. 205, which is highly rated by Niche, earning an overall grade of A+. The district serves approximately 8,330 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. State test scores indicate that 56% of students are proficient in math and 65% in reading.

The district is recognized for its strong academics, diversity, and college preparatory programs. York Community High School, part of the district, is ranked among the best public high schools in Illinois. Elmhurst University also contributes to the educational landscape, offering a range of programs and holding a B+ overall Niche grade.

Demographics

Elmhurst’s population was approximately 45,671 as of the most recent US Census data. The demographic profile shows a predominantly White population, accounting for 76% of residents, followed by Hispanic (10.4%) and Asian (7.8%) communities. The median household income in Elmhurst was reported at $149,644 in 2024.

The median age for Elmhurst residents is 42.0 years. The city has experienced a slight increase in racial diversity since the 2020 Census. A notable educational attainment is that 64.2% of Elmhurst residents hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher.