Is Morton Grove Safe, Pros and cons of living in Morton Grove
Morton Grove, a village in Cook County, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the amenities of the Chicago metropolitan area. Its tree-lined streets and well-maintained neighborhoods contribute to a sense of community, while its proximity to a major urban center provides ample opportunities for employment, entertainment, and cultural experiences. The village’s history is marked by growth and development, from its early days as a floral business hub to its evolution into a diverse residential community.
The demographics of Morton Grove reflect a rich tapestry of cultures, with a significant Asian and White population, and a growing number of residents born outside the United States. This diversity is a hallmark of the village, contributing to its vibrant community spirit. The median age in Morton Grove suggests a balanced community, with a notable presence of both younger families and established residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Morton Grove?
Morton Grove is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The village boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, with statistics showing it to be 87% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Property crimes also fall well below national benchmarks, contributing to an overall crime rate that is 44% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
The chance of being a victim of crime in Morton Grove varies by neighborhood, with the northeast part of the city generally considered the safest. Overall, Morton Grove ranks in the 66th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than a majority of U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is also lower than both the national and Illinois state averages (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Market Trends
The housing market in Morton Grove presents a median home value that is higher than the national average. As of March 2026, the median sale price for detached single-family homes was $485,000, showing a 10.2% year-over-year increase (as reported by Option Premier). This appreciation indicates a strong and competitive market, with sustained buyer demand.
Morton Grove’s median home price was $389,100 in 2024, an increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate is high, at 85.2%, which is above the national average (as reported by Data USA). Median rent prices are also above the national average, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $2,363 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economic Landscape
Morton Grove’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Educational Services being the largest employment sectors (as reported by Data USA). The manufacturing sector offers some of the highest paying opportunities, with an average salary of $93,638 (as reported by Data USA).
The village has a labor force of approximately 11,900 individuals, with an unemployment rate of around 3.5% (as reported by ZoomProspector). Major employers in the area include Xylem and John Crane, along with Amazon Fresh (as cited by Wikipedia). The average annual salary in Morton Grove is approximately $48,817, though this can vary significantly by occupation and experience (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Morton Grove experiences a climate with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from a low of 20°F in January to a high of 83°F in July, with rare extremes outside of this range (as reported by Time and Date). The village receives a substantial amount of precipitation annually, with an average of 38 inches of rainfall and 38 inches of snowfall (as reported by Livability.com).
The warmest period for outdoor activities generally falls between mid-June and mid-September. Conversely, the coldest months are January and February, with average low temperatures around 20°F (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). The amount of sunshine varies seasonally, with July offering the most daylight hours and December having the least.
Education and School System
Morton Grove is served by several public school districts, including East Maine School District 63, Golf School District 67, Skokie/Morton Grove School District 69, and Morton Grove School District 70 (as cited by Wikipedia). The public schools in Morton Grove generally perform well, with average math and reading proficiency scores above the Illinois state average (as reported by MySchoolHives).
Schools in Morton Grove have an average ranking of 8 out of 10, placing them in the top 30% of Illinois public schools (as reported by MySchoolHives). Park View Elementary School, Hynes Elementary School, and Melzer School are among the top-ranked institutions in the area (as reported by MySchoolHives).
Demographics and Community Profile
Morton Grove is home to a population of approximately 24,600 residents, with a diverse racial composition. White and Asian residents form the largest demographic groups, with a significant percentage of the population being foreign-born (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Morton Grove is around 44.6 years, indicating a community with a mix of age groups (as reported by Data USA).
The village has a high homeownership rate, with most residents owning their homes rather than renting (as reported by Niche). The median household income is substantial, reflecting the economic stability of the area, with figures around $111,116 (as reported by Data USA).
Cost of Living Considerations
The overall cost of living in Morton Grove is higher than the national average, estimated to be around 32% higher (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this, being approximately 85% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
While housing is more expensive, utility prices are slightly lower than the national average. Transportation costs are also marginally higher than the national average. Food and healthcare expenses in Morton Grove are also above the national average (as reported by Payscale).