Is Crest Hill Safe, Pros and cons of living in Crest Hill
Crest Hill, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and accessible urban amenities, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking a new place to call home. The city provides a community atmosphere with proximity to larger metropolitan areas, presenting a balanced lifestyle for its residents. This introduction aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what living in Crest Hill entails, covering essential aspects for potential movers.
The community of Crest Hill is characterized by its distinct neighborhoods and a commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment for its residents. Its strategic location within Will County, Illinois, positions it favorably for those who appreciate both a quieter residential setting and convenient access to the broader economic and cultural opportunities of the greater Chicago area. This balance is a key draw for individuals and families exploring relocation options.
Is it Safe to Live in Crest Hill?
Crest Hill presents a mixed but generally manageable safety profile, with crime rates that warrant attention and informed decision-making. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Crest Hill is approximately 1 in 562, while the risk for property crime is around 1 in 111 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While these figures indicate a higher than average chance of property crime compared to national averages, the violent crime rate is notably lower than the state average for Illinois cities of similar size (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Further analysis suggests that Crest Hill’s overall crime rate is 16% below the national average (as reported by DoorDash). However, specific types of crime, such as burglary, are reported to be 30% above average, while robbery is 50% below average (as reported by DoorDash). Residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime varying by neighborhood (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Awareness and adherence to standard urban precautions are advised for residents and visitors alike.
Housing Costs and Availability
The real estate market in Crest Hill offers a range of options, with the average home value standing at approximately $278,922 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). Over the past year, this value has seen an increase of 2.8% (as reported by Zillow). The median list price for homes in Crest Hill was around $285,450 in March 2026 (as reported by Zillow).
For those considering rental options, the average rent in Crest Hill was approximately $1,567 per month as of recent data (as reported by Zillow). However, other sources indicate the average rent to be around $1,412 per month, with a slight increase of 2.2% over the past year (as reported by Apartments.com). Rental prices can range significantly, with studios typically around $1,246 per month and two-bedroom apartments averaging $1,550 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Major Employers
Crest Hill boasts a diverse employment landscape, with several key industries contributing to its economic vitality. Transportation, warehousing, and manufacturing are significant sectors, collectively contributing substantially to the regional Gross Regional Product (as reported by the City of Crest Hill). The growth of e-commerce has fueled a demand for industrial space, creating numerous job opportunities in these fields.
Among the top employers in Crest Hill are Amazon, with an estimated 1,400 employees, and the Illinois Department of Corrections (Statesville), employing around 900 individuals (as reported by the City of Crest Hill). Other major employers include First Student with 800 employees, Aaron Thomas Co. Packaging with 500 employees, and Dayton Freight and Rich Products Corp., each employing approximately 300 individuals (as reported by the City of Crest Hill). The city actively works to retain and attract businesses, fostering a resilient economy.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Crest Hill is generally favorable, being approximately 8% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This is largely attributed to lower housing expenses, which are about 25% below the national average (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices also tend to be lower, at 8% below the national average (as reported by Payscale).
While housing and utilities are more affordable, grocery prices in Crest Hill are about 2% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs are also slightly higher, at 6% above the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are on par with the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Climate and Weather
Crest Hill experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, with distinct seasons. Average monthly precipitation varies throughout the year, with higher amounts typically seen in the spring and summer months. For example, May can see an average of 4.72 inches of precipitation, while October averages around 5.06 inches (as reported by Time and Date, based on data from 2012-2021 near Lewis University Airport). Winters are generally cold with snowfall, while summers are warm and can be humid.
Daily temperatures fluctuate with the seasons. In the summer, high temperatures can reach into the 80s Fahrenheit, while winter lows can drop into the teens Fahrenheit. The area receives an average of 36-40 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by Time and Date, based on data from 2012-2021 near Lewis University Airport). Residents can expect a range of weather conditions throughout the year, necessitating preparation for various elements.
Education and Schools
Crest Hill is served by a range of public schools, with several receiving favorable ratings. For instance, some public schools in the area have earned an overall Niche Grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). These schools often feature manageable student-teacher ratios, such as 13:1 or 17:1 in some instances (as reported by Niche).
The broader school districts serving Crest Hill also receive solid rankings. For example, Valley View Community Unit School District No. 365-U, which serves the area, is recognized among the best in Illinois (as reported by Niche). Parents can explore various options, as Crest Hill and its surrounding areas offer diverse educational institutions catering to different needs and preferences.
Demographics and Population
As of the 2020 census, Crest Hill had a population of 20,459 residents (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). Recent estimates suggest the population is around 20,628, indicating a slight increase since the 2020 census (as reported by Census Dots). The median age in Crest Hill is approximately 40.0 years (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau), with a demographic split that includes roughly 17.9% of residents under 18 and 17.6% aged 65 and older (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).
The racial composition of Crest Hill is diverse. White residents make up approximately 50.5% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 27.0%, and Black or African American residents at 15.0% (as reported by Census Dots). Other racial groups, including Asian and Multiracial individuals, also contribute to the community’s diversity (as reported by Census Dots).
Pros and Cons of Living in Crest Hill
Crest Hill offers a number of advantages for its residents, including a cost of living that is lower than the national average, particularly in housing (as reported by Payscale). The community provides a suburban feel with convenient access to larger urban centers, and it is home to several major employers, contributing to a stable job market (as reported by the City of Crest Hill). The local schools also receive generally positive reviews, making it an attractive option for families (as reported by Niche).
However, potential residents should be aware of certain drawbacks. Property crime rates are higher than the national average, requiring a degree of vigilance (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and DoorDash). While grocery and healthcare costs are manageable, they are slightly above the national average (as reported by Payscale). The city’s population has seen a slight decline in recent years, which could be a factor for some individuals to consider (as reported by Population 2026).