Is Bourbonnais Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bourbonnais

Bourbonnais, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and community-focused living, situated just south of the bustling Chicago metropolitan area. This village is recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere, bolstered by a good public school system and a generally safe environment. It provides residents with a more relaxed pace of life while maintaining convenient access to the amenities and opportunities of a larger city.

The community is also home to Olivet Nazarene University, a significant institution that contributes to the local culture and economy. Additionally, Bourbonnais is known for its recreational spaces, including Perry Farm Park along the Kankakee River, offering natural beauty and outdoor activities for its residents. This combination of factors makes Bourbonnais an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Bourbonnais?

Bourbonnais is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 47% lower than the national average as of 2026 (DoorProfit). This safety is reflected in its crime statistics, with violent crime rates also being substantially lower than national figures.

While the village as a whole is safe, crime rates can vary by neighborhood. Residents generally perceive the northwest part of the city as the safest area (Crime Explorer). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Bourbonnais varies by neighborhood, with some areas having a lower risk than others (Crime Explorer). Overall, Bourbonnais ranks in the 85th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 85% of U.S. cities (Crime Explorer).

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in Bourbonnais is approximately 248.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 35% lower than the national average (DoorProfit). This translates to a roughly 1 in 402 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime annually. Specific violent crime rates, such as murder and aggravated assault, are also below national averages (DoorProfit).

Property Crime Overview

Property crime rates in Bourbonnais are also a point of consideration. The estimated property crime rate is 2,059.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 12% higher than the national average (DoorPrint). This means residents have about a 1 in 49 chance of being a property crime victim each year.

Key property crime rates include burglary, larceny/theft, and vehicle theft. While larceny/theft and vehicle theft rates are above the national average, burglary rates are below average (DoorPrint). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in Bourbonnais, aligning with national trends.

Pros and Cons of Living in Bourbonnais

Bourbonnais offers a compelling lifestyle for many, characterized by affordability and a strong sense of community. The village provides a more relaxed pace than larger urban centers, making it appealing for families and individuals seeking a quieter environment. Its proximity to Chicago also ensures access to metropolitan amenities and job markets without the direct cost and congestion of city living.

However, like any locale, Bourbonnais has its drawbacks. The job market, while present, may not offer the same diversity or high-paying opportunities as a major city. Furthermore, while generally safe, specific neighborhood safety can vary, requiring due diligence for potential residents.

Economic Opportunities and Job Market

The economy in Bourbonnais employs a significant portion of its residents, with major employers contributing to its stability. Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services are among the largest employing industries (Data USA). The median earnings in Bourbonnais are reported around $52,854, with variations across different industries (Data USA).

The average salary for jobs in Bourbonnais, Illinois, is approximately $67,036 per year, or $32 per hour (ERI SalaryExpert). However, other sources indicate a median wage of $39,600 per year, with an average annual pay for hourly positions around $53,240 (ZipRecruiter). This range suggests varied earning potentials depending on the industry and specific role.

Housing Market and Costs

Bourbonnais presents a relatively affordable housing market. The median home value in Bourbonnais was reported as $253,100 in 2024 (Data USA), and more recently, the median home value has been cited as $238,000 (Kurby AI). Another report places the median home value at $293,559 as of March 2026 (Redfin).

The cost of living in Bourbonnais is generally lower than the national average. One report indicates it’s 3% less expensive than the national average (ERI Economic Research Institute), while another states it’s 13% lower than the national average (Payscale). Housing costs are a significant factor in this affordability, being notably lower than the national average in several reports (ERI Economic Research Institute, Payscale).

Rental Market Insights

For those considering renting, Bourbonnais offers a diverse rental market. The median gross rent was reported at $1,269 per month (Point2Homes), with average apartment rents varying by the number of bedrooms. As of May 2026, average rents were approximately $620 for a one-bedroom, $1,042 for a two-bedroom, and $1,335 for a three-bedroom apartment (Apartments.com). Another source indicates the average rent for all property types is $1,475 per month (Zillow).

The rent-to-income ratio in Bourbonnais is around 29.9%, suggesting a manageable portion of earnings goes towards housing expenses for renters (Point2Homes). Apartment rents have seen a slight increase, with a 0.8% rise in the past year (Apartments.com).

Understanding Bourbonnais’s Climate

Bourbonnais experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The hot season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 75°F (Weather and Climate). July is the hottest month, with highs around 85°F and lows of 65°F (Weather and Climate).

Conversely, the cold season spans from December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 43°F. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from 18°F to 33°F (Weather and Climate). The annual average temperature hovers around 60°F, with July being the warmest and January the coldest (Livability.com).

Precipitation Patterns

Bourbonnais has a wet climate, receiving significant precipitation throughout the year. The wettest month is typically June, with an average rainfall of about 3.8 inches (Weather and Climate). The driest month is January, receiving around 1.0 inch of rain (Weather and Climate).

Annual precipitation, including rain and snow, averages around 1084 mm (43 inches) (Weather and Climate). The period from late March to late September generally sees more frequent wet days, with June having the highest probability of precipitation (Weather and Climate).

Educational Landscape in Bourbonnais

The educational system in Bourbonnais serves its young population through a network of public and private schools. Public schools in Bourbonnais have an average math proficiency score of 28% and a reading proficiency score of 31% (Niche). These scores are slightly above the Illinois public school averages for both subjects (Niche).

The top-ranked public schools in Bourbonnais include St. George Elementary School, Liberty Intermediate School, and Shabbona Elementary School (Niche). The overall ranking for Bourbonnais public schools is in the top 50% of Illinois public schools, with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 14:1 (Niche). The Bourbonnais School District No. 53 serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and holds a B overall Niche grade (Niche).

Student Demographics and Performance

Minority enrollment in Bourbonnais public schools is around 38% of the student body, which is less than the Illinois public school average (Niche). The student-teacher ratio across the district is about 14 to 1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that 27% of students are proficient in math and 44% in reading within the Bourbonnais School District No. 53 (Niche).

Demographics and Community Profile

Bourbonnais is home to a population of approximately 18,000 residents, with a median age of around 35.8 years (Data USA, Data Commons). The village’s population has seen a slight decline in recent years, with projections indicating a continued trend (Data USA). The racial makeup is predominantly White, accounting for about 73.5% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 9.3%, and Hispanic at 7.5% (Data USA).

The community is largely comprised of U.S. citizens, with a high percentage of residents being natural-born citizens (Point2Homes, Data USA). The average household size is around 3 members, with a majority of households being families (Point2Homes). A significant portion of the population drives alone to work, with an average commute time of about 19.6 minutes (Data USA).

Income and Economic Well-being

The median household income in Bourbonnais was reported at $81,708 in 2024 (Data USA). This figure is slightly higher than some other reported median incomes for the village, such as $77,738 (Kurby AI) or $76,920 (Wikipedia). The poverty rate in Bourbonnais is approximately 9.5% (Data USA).

The median age in Bourbonnais is 35.8 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (Data USA). The community’s economic well-being is supported by various industries, with healthcare and retail trade being significant employers (Data USA).