Is Matteson Safe, Pros and cons of living in Matteson
Is it Safe to Live in Matteson?
Matteson experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average across all communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of either violent or property crime in Matteson is 1 in 59 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Relative to Illinois, Matteson has a crime rate that is higher than 83% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
While the overall crime rate is a concern, some neighborhoods are safer than others. Residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest (as reported by The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Matteson, IL). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Matteson varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 15 in the south neighborhoods to 1 in 61 in the northeast (as reported by The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Matteson, IL).
Violent Crime Statistics
The violent crime rate in Matteson is 2.833 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by Matteson, IL Violent Crime Rates and Maps – CrimeGrade.org). This is higher than the national average of 3.7 per 1,000 residents (as reported by Matteson, IL Violent Crime Rates and Maps – CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Matteson is 1 in 179 (as reported by Matteson, IL Crime Rates and Crime Statistics – NeighborhoodScout).
Property Crime Statistics
Property crime in Matteson is also a consideration, with a rate of 11 per one thousand population (as reported by Matteson, IL Crime Rates and Crime Statistics – NeighborhoodScout). This means there is an above-average chance of becoming a victim of a property crime when compared to all other communities in America of all population sizes (as reported by Matteson, IL Crime Rates and Crime Statistics – NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes include motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary. Your chance of becoming a victim of any of these crimes in Matteson is one in 88 (as reported by Matteson, IL Crime Rates and Crime Statistics – NeighborhoodScout).
Demographics and Population
Matteson, IL is home to a population of approximately 18,645 residents (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Matteson is 44.5 years (as reported by Matteson Demographics | Current Illinois Census Data). The population is diverse, with 80.2% identifying as Black or African American, 10.32% as White, and smaller percentages for Asian, other races, Native American, and multiracial populations (as reported by Matteson, Illinois Population 2026).
The village has a significant portion of its population aged 65 or older, at 18.4% (as reported by Matteson, Illinois – Wikipedia). Conversely, 21.3% of residents are under the age of 18 (as reported by Matteson, Illinois – Wikipedia). For every 100 females, there are approximately 82.4 males in Matteson (as reported by Matteson, Illinois – Wikipedia).
Age Distribution
The age distribution in Matteson shows a significant segment of the population in older age brackets. Around 29.5% of residents fall into the 45 to 64 age bracket, while 20.1% are 65 or older (as reported by Matteson, IL Demographics: Population, Income, and More). Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.7% of the population, with 10.5% in the 15 to 24 age group and 16.2% being children under 15 (as reported by Matteson, IL Demographics: Population, Income, and More).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
Matteson’s racial makeup is predominantly Black or African American, constituting 80.2% of the population (as reported by Matteson, Illinois Population 2026). White residents make up 10.32% of the population, with smaller percentages for Asian, other races, Native American, and multiracial individuals (as reported by Matteson, Illinois Population 2026). In terms of citizenship, 99.4% of Matteson, IL residents are US citizens, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Matteson, IL is approximately 5% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by Cost of Living in Matteson, IL 2026 | Salary.com). This is driven in part by housing costs, which are 12.3% higher than the national average (as reported by Cost of Living in Matteson, IL 2026 | Salary.com). However, other sources indicate that Matteson’s housing expenses are 20% lower than the national average (as reported by Cost of Living in Matteson, IL – Payscale).
The median home value in Matteson is approximately $226,000 (as reported by Living in Matteson village, IL). This is significantly below the national average median home value (as reported by Living in Matteson village, IL). The median rent in Matteson is around $1,354 (as reported by Living in Matteson village, IL).
Housing Costs and Affordability
Matteson’s housing market presents a degree of affordability, with the median home value at $226,000 (as reported by Living in Matteson village, IL). This is considerably lower than the national average (as reported by Living in Matteson village, IL). The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $2,200 (as reported by Living in Matteson, IL Average Rent).
The affordability index for Matteson is 218, with a homeownership rate of 90.0% (as reported by Living in Matteson village, IL). This suggests that homeownership is a prevalent and achievable option for many residents in the village. The median household income in Matteson is $88,591 (as reported by Living in Matteson village, IL).
Rent Prices
The average rent in Matteson, IL, as of April 2026, is $2,550, which is 31% higher than the national average (as reported by Matteson, IL Average Rent and Rent Price Trends – Zumper). However, other data indicates the average rent in Matteson is $1,191 per month, which is 27% lower than the national average (as reported by Matteson, IL Average Rent in Matteson, IL – Apartments.com). Rental prices for houses in Matteson, IL range between $800 and $3,665 (as reported by Matteson, IL Average Rent and Rent Price Trends – Zumper).
Economy and Employment
Matteson’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 8,659 residents (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Transportation & Warehousing (as reported by Data USA). Management Occupations, Business & Financial Operations Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations are the primary job groups held by residents (as reported by Data USA).
The village is home to several major employers, including Federal Signal Corporation, St. James Hospital, and Manheim’s Greater Auto Auction (as reported by Major Employers – Welcome to Matteson, IL). Other significant companies in the area include Walmart, FedEx, McDonald’s, and Amazon.com (as reported by Companies in matteson, il | Indeed.com).
Job Market Trends
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Matteson declined at a rate of -1.97% (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Matteson stands at 10.9% (as reported by Matteson, IL Demographics: Population, Income, and More). The average annual salary in Matteson is approximately $45,405 (as reported by What is the Average Salary in Matteson, Illinois? (May 2026) – ZipRecruiter).
Major Employers and Industries
Key employers in Matteson include Federal Signal Corporation with approximately 800 employees, St. James Hospital with 721 employees, and Manheim’s Greater Auto Auction with 618 employees (as reported by Major Employers – Welcome to Matteson, IL). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration operates its Midwestern Region Service Center in the area, and Valspar operates a paint manufacturing facility (as reported by Matteson, Illinois – Wikipedia). The most common employment sectors for Matteson residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Transportation & Warehousing (as reported by Data USA).
Climate and Weather
Matteson experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters (as reported by Matteson Climate Data – Updated March 2026 – Plantmaps). The temperature typically varies from 18°F to 84°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -1°F or exceeding 92°F (as reported by Matteson, IL Climate and Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Illinois, United States)). Summers are warm, humid, and wet, while winters are freezing, snowy, and windy, with partly cloudy conditions year-round (as reported by Matteson, IL Climate and Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Illinois, United States)).
The average annual precipitation in Matteson is around 40.48 inches (as reported by Matteson Climate Data – Updated April 2026 – Plantmaps). June is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 3.7 inches (as reported by Matteson, IL Climate and Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Illinois, United States)). January is the driest month, with an average rainfall of 1.0 inch (as reported by Matteson, IL Climate and Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Illinois, United States)).
Seasonal Temperatures
Summers in Matteson are warm, with average daily high temperatures above 74°F from late May to mid-September (as reported by Matteson, IL Climate and Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Illinois, United States)). July is the hottest month, with an average high of 84°F and a low of 65°F (as reported by Matteson, IL Climate and Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Illinois, United States)). Winters are cold, with average daily high temperatures below 42°F from early December to early March (as reported by Matteson, IL Climate and Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Illinois, United States)). January is the coldest month, with an average low of 19°F and a high of 32°F (as reported by Matteson, IL Climate and Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Illinois, United States)).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Matteson receives substantial annual precipitation, totaling around 40.48 inches (as reported by Matteson Climate Data – Updated April 2026 – Plantmaps). Significant seasonal variations occur, with August being the wettest month, averaging 136 mm of precipitation (as reported by Matteson Climate Data – Updated March 2026 – Plantmaps). November is typically the driest month, with about 59 mm of rainfall (as reported by Matteson Climate Data – Updated March 2026 – Plantmaps).
Education and Schools
Matteson, IL is served by public schools with an average math proficiency score of 9% and a reading proficiency score of 21% (as reported by Best Public Schools in Matteson, IL (2026)). These scores are significantly lower than the Illinois public school averages of 27% for math and 30% for reading (as reported by Best Public Schools in Matteson, IL (2026)). Schools in Matteson have an average ranking of 2 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools (as reported by Best Public Schools in Matteson, IL (2026)).
The top-ranked public schools in Matteson, IL include Woodgate Elementary School, Marya Yates Elementary School, and Matteson Elementary School (as reported by Best Public Schools in Matteson, IL (2026)). There are six public schools serving approximately 2,173 students in Matteson (as reported by Best Public Schools in Matteson, IL (2026)).
School Performance and Ratings
Matteson’s public schools face academic challenges, with test scores in English Language Arts and Mathematics being notably lower than state averages (as reported by Best Public Schools in Matteson, IL). Woodgate Elementary School shows the highest test scores among elementary schools (as reported by Best Public Schools in Matteson, IL). O.W. Huth Middle School demonstrates higher test scores compared to Colin Powell Middle School (as reported by Best Public Schools in Matteson, IL).
Student Demographics
Minority enrollment in Matteson public schools is 99% of the student body, with a majority being Black students (as reported by Best Public Schools in Matteson, IL (2026)). This is higher than the Illinois public school average of 55% minority enrollment, which is predominantly Hispanic (as reported by Best Public Schools in Matteson, IL (2026)). The student-teacher ratio in Matteson schools is 15.2:1 (as reported by Living in Matteson village, IL).
Pros and Cons of Living in Matteson
Matteson offers a blend of suburban living with a strong sense of community, though it comes with certain challenges. The village is situated within reach of Chicago’s amenities, providing access to a major metropolitan area while maintaining a more relaxed pace of life. Its housing market, particularly home values, is more affordable than the national average, making it an attractive option for some buyers.
However, the crime rates in Matteson are higher than the national average, which is a significant concern for potential residents. While certain neighborhoods are considered safer, the overall statistics indicate a need for caution. The educational system also presents challenges, with public schools showing lower proficiency scores compared to state averages.
Affordable Housing Options
One of the primary draws of Matteson is its relatively affordable housing market. The median home value is considerably lower than the national average, offering an accessible entry point for homeowners (as reported by Living in Matteson village, IL). This affordability, combined with a solid median household income, can contribute to a comfortable lifestyle for residents.
Higher Crime Rates
Matteson’s crime rates are a notable drawback. The village experiences a higher incidence of both violent and property crimes compared to national averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While some areas are safer, the overall statistics suggest that residents should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.
Educational System Challenges
The public school system in Matteson faces significant challenges, as evidenced by lower-than-average test scores and proficiency rates (as reported by Best Public Schools in Matteson, IL). This could be a deterrent for families prioritizing a robust educational environment for their children. The high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch also points to potential socioeconomic factors influencing academic outcomes.