Is Alsip Safe, Pros and cons of living in Alsip
Alsip, a village in Cook County, is situated in the south of the Chicago metropolitan area. Established in the 1830s by German and Dutch farmers, it was named after Frank Alsip, who owned a local brickyard. The village experienced growth following the construction of the Tri-State Tollway in 1959, becoming a more accessible and connected community. Alsip is a place that blends suburban living with a strong industrial presence, offering a unique environment for its residents.
The community is home to over 850 companies, ranging from small family-owned businesses to large national and international corporations. This diverse economic base contributes significantly to the village’s tax revenue, which in turn supports high-quality municipal services, educational programs, and recreational facilities for its residents. The pro-business attitude of the village officials, combined with its strategic location and available workforce, has fostered a thriving commercial and industrial sector.
Is it Safe to Live in Alsip?
Alsip’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a significant increase in property crimes. In the most recent data, total crime in Alsip has increased by 22% year over year, with violent crime decreasing by 1.9% and property crime increasing by 24.8% (according to AreaVibes). The village recorded 52 violent crimes, which is 19.3% lower than the national average, but 548 property crimes, which is 73.5% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). A concerning trend is the high rate of vehicle theft, which is among the highest in the nation (according to AreaVibes).
While the overall crime rate is higher than the national average, it’s important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood within Alsip. Some areas are considered safer than others, and understanding these local variations can be helpful for residents. The northwest part of the city is generally considered the safest, with violent crime rates lower than in the southeast neighborhoods (according to CrimeGrade.org and AreaVibes). It is essential for potential residents to research specific neighborhoods and consult local crime data for a comprehensive understanding of safety in Alsip.
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Alsip presents a competitive environment, with homes typically receiving multiple offers and selling relatively quickly. The median sale price of a home in Alsip was approximately $260,000 in March 2026, an increase of 6.8% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This indicates a steady appreciation in home values, which can be attractive to homeowners and investors alike.
Rental prices in Alsip are generally below the national average. As of April 2026, the median rent for all property types in Alsip was approximately $1,455 per month, which is 25% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). The average rent for all bedrooms and property types was $1,492 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This makes Alsip a potentially more affordable option for renters compared to many other areas.
Job Market and Major Employers
Alsip boasts a diverse economic base with over 850 companies, contributing to a robust job market. Major employers in the area include Coca-Cola Co., Crown Cork & Seal, Landis-Berry Plastics, Greif Containers, Anixter Inc., Griffith Labs, SCA Tissue/North America, Union Carbide, and Prestone Products (as reported by the Alsip Chamber of Commerce). These companies provide a wide range of employment opportunities across various sectors.
The average annual salary in Alsip is around $62,000 per year, or approximately $29.81 per hour (as reported by Zippia). However, salaries can vary significantly depending on the industry and specific role. For instance, the average annual salary for employees at Alsip Minimill LLC is approximately $92,211, with roles like President earning significantly more (as reported by Indeed). The minimum wage in Alsip is $13 per hour, which is higher than the federal minimum wage (as reported by Zippia).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Alsip experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and snowy, with average low temperatures often dropping below freezing.
The village receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, distributed relatively evenly across the seasons. Snowfall is common during the winter months, contributing to the characteristic Midwestern winter landscape. Residents can expect a range of weather conditions throughout the year, from warm summer days to cold, snowy winters.
Education and School Ratings
Alsip’s public schools are generally considered above average, with several institutions receiving positive ratings. For example, Jones College Prep High School has a rating of 3.96 out of 5, and Independence Junior High School has a perfect score of 5 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Navajo Heights Elementary School and Chippewa Elementary School also receive strong ratings, with Chippewa Elementary earning an A- grade (as reported by Niche).
The Alsip-Hazelgreen-Oak Lawn School District No. 126 serves the community and has an overall Niche grade of B- (as reported by Niche). While the district’s overall grade is B-, individual schools within the district receive varied ratings, with some elementary schools like Navajo Heights Elementary earning an A- (as reported by Niche). The quality of education in Alsip is a significant factor for families considering a move to the area.
Demographics and Population Trends
As of the most recent census data, Alsip has a population of approximately 19,063 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). The village’s population has seen a slight decline in recent years, with projections indicating a continued downward trend. The median age in Alsip is around 39.1 years, with a balanced distribution of age groups, including 21.5% under 18 and 16.3% over 65 (as reported by Wikipedia and World Population Review).
The racial and ethnic composition of Alsip is diverse. White residents make up approximately 40% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 28.6%, and Black residents at 24.3% (as reported by Data Commons and World Population Review). This diversity contributes to the unique cultural fabric of the community, making Alsip one of the most diverse suburbs in Illinois.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Alsip is generally higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses. Housing costs in Alsip are about 12.3% higher than the national average, with a single person spending around $1,348 per month and a family of four around $2,471 per month on housing (as reported by Salary.com). This is slightly contradicted by other sources suggesting housing expenses are lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). However, other expenses like food, energy, transportation, and healthcare are also noted to be higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).
Despite higher housing costs, Alsip’s overall cost of living is considered to be 9% lower than the national average by some metrics (as reported by Payscale). This disparity may arise from different methodologies in calculating the cost of living index. When comparing Alsip to other major cities, it is noted to be more affordable than San Francisco and Washington D.C., but slightly more expensive than Chicago (as reported by Salary.com).