Is Glen Ellyn Safe, Pros and cons of living in Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn, a charming village in DuPage County, Illinois, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and accessible urban amenities. Located just west of Chicago, it provides a desirable living environment for many.

The village boasts a strong community feel, with well-regarded schools, attractive parks, and a vibrant downtown area. These features contribute to its appeal for families and individuals seeking a high quality of life. Glen Ellyn is known for its tree-lined streets and historic architecture, adding to its aesthetic charm.

Is it Safe to Live in Glen Ellyn?

Glen Ellyn is considered a safe community, with crime rates that are generally lower than both state and national averages. The overall crime rate is notably below the national average, and violent crimes occur at a significantly lower rate than in many other parts of the country. This contributes to Glen Ellyn’s reputation as a secure place to live.

Specifically, the violent crime rate in Glen Ellyn is approximately 1.713 incidents per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by BUILD Magazine). The chances of becoming a victim of any crime in Glen Ellyn are estimated at 1 in 118 (as reported by BUILD Magazine). The village’s crime rate is lower than approximately 52% of Illinois communities, leading to its ranking as one of the safer cities in the U.S.A. (according to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data).

Climate and Weather

Glen Ellyn experiences distinct seasons, with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 17°F to 84°F throughout the year, rarely falling below -3°F or exceeding 92°F (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The warm season, from late May to mid-September, offers average daily highs above 73°F, with July being the hottest month, reaching an average high of 84°F.

Conversely, the cold season lasts from early December to early March, with average daily highs below 41°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 17°F and highs of 31°F (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Rainfall is consistent throughout the year, with June receiving the most precipitation at approximately 3.7 inches, while January is the driest month with about 0.8 inches (as reported by Vertex AI Search).

Demographics and Population

Glen Ellyn is home to a population of approximately 28,400 residents, making it the 71st most populated city in Illinois (as reported by Data USA). The village’s population is projected to reach 28,608 by 2026, with an assumed annual growth rate of 0.4% (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data cited by Data USA).

The racial composition of Glen Ellyn is predominantly White (75.1%), followed by Asian (10.9%) and Hispanic (6.9%) residents (as reported by US Census Bureau data cited by Data USA and World Population Review). A significant majority of residents, 96.7%, are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Glen Ellyn is 39.8 years (as reported by US Census Bureau data cited by Data USA and World Population Review).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Glen Ellyn is higher than the national and state averages. The overall cost of living index is approximately 108.1, meaning it is 8.1% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by BUILD Magazine). Housing costs are a major contributor to this figure, with a median home price around $505,000 (as reported by Redfin) or $544,000 (as reported by Data USA).

Renting a two-bedroom unit in Glen Ellyn typically costs around $2,400 per month (as reported by Zillow and Vertex AI Search). Daily expenses such as groceries, healthcare, and transportation are also higher than the national average, with groceries being about 4% higher (as reported by Payscale). To live comfortably in Glen Ellyn, a single person would need an estimated annual income of around $47,600, while a family would require approximately $89,640 (as reported by BUILD Magazine).

Housing Market

Glen Ellyn’s housing market is characterized by a competitive environment and rising home values. The median sale price of a home in Glen Ellyn was approximately $505,000 in March 2026, reflecting a 9.8% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Glen Ellyn tend to sell relatively quickly, with an average of 42 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).

The median home value in Glen Ellyn is around $562,204, showing a 7.0% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The housing market is considered a seller’s market, with more buyers than available homes. This limited supply and strong demand contribute to the appreciation of property values in the area.

Job Market and Major Employers

The job market in Glen Ellyn is supported by a diverse range of industries and a growing employment base. As of the first quarter of 2024, total employment in Glen Ellyn was approximately 12,149, showing a 2.1% increase over the preceding year (as reported by Choose DuPage). Key employment sectors include educational services, health care and social assistance, and accommodation and food services.

Major employers in the area contribute significantly to the local economy. While specific employer lists from 2018 are available, the village’s economic development efforts aim to attract and retain businesses. The presence of a highly educated workforce and a desirable quality of life makes Glen Ellyn an attractive location for both established companies and new ventures.

Average Salary and Unemployment Rate

The average annual salary in Glen Ellyn is approximately $45,669, which translates to about $21.96 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Glen Ellyn typically range between $34,239 and $55,238 annually, depending on occupation and experience (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some of the highest-paying jobs in the area include roles like UAW President, Real Estate Attorney, and Internal Audit Director.

While specific unemployment rate data for Glen Ellyn was not directly found, broader economic indicators suggest a stable job market. The cost of living in Glen Ellyn is higher than the national average, and the median household income was reported as $140,938 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau data cited by Data USA).

School Ratings

Glen Ellyn is served by highly-rated public schools, contributing to its appeal for families. Glen Ellyn School District No. 41, serving grades PK-8, has an overall Niche grade of A- and is recognized for its dedicated teachers and student-centered approach (as reported by Niche). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, with 56% of students proficient in math and 63% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Several elementary and middle schools within the district receive high marks. For instance, Benjamin Franklin Elementary, Abraham Lincoln Elementary, Churchill Elementary, and Forest Glen Elementary all hold A-minus ratings from Niche (as reported by Niche). These schools are praised for their academic programs, teacher quality, and positive learning environments.

Pros and Cons of Living in Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn offers numerous advantages, including its safety, excellent school system, and strong community atmosphere. The village’s proximity to Chicago provides access to big-city amenities while maintaining a suburban feel. Its well-maintained parks and recreational facilities enhance the quality of life for residents.

However, the cost of living in Glen Ellyn is a significant consideration, being higher than both national and state averages. Housing prices and rental costs are notably above the national median, which can be a barrier for some. Additionally, while crime rates are low, residents should be aware of the general cost associated with maintaining a household in a desirable area.