Is Burr Ridge Safe, Pros and cons of living in Burr Ridge
Burr Ridge, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and access to urban amenities, making it an appealing location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. This village, situated in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, is known for its upscale character and well-regarded community features.
This article delves into the key aspects of living in Burr Ridge, covering safety, the cost of living, housing market trends, employment opportunities, climate, education, and demographics. Understanding these facets can provide valuable insights for anyone considering a move to this affluent Chicago suburb.
Is it Safe to Live in Burr Ridge?
Burr Ridge is recognized for its exceptionally low crime rates, positioning it as one of the safer communities in the United States. The village’s overall crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, with violent crimes being particularly infrequent (as reported by AreaVibes). This low incidence of crime contributes to a strong sense of security for its residents.
Specifically, violent crimes in Burr Ridge are substantially below the national average, with a very low chance of becoming a victim (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, though residents may have a slightly higher chance of being a victim of property crime compared to the national average for all community sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Recent data indicates a decrease in residential burglaries and burglaries to vehicles, though violent crimes saw an increase in a recent year due to incidents like road rage (as reported by Patch). The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports also support that Burr Ridge has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the country.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Burr Ridge is considerably higher than the national average, largely driven by elevated housing expenses. While utility prices are slightly lower than the national average, transportation costs, including gas prices, are marginally higher (as reported by Payscale). This overall higher cost of living reflects the desirable nature and amenities of the area.
Housing expenses in Burr Ridge are substantially above the national average, impacting the overall cost of living significantly. This premium is characteristic of affluent suburban areas with high property values and desirable living conditions. The cost of living index for Burr Ridge indicates a higher price level for consumer goods and services compared to many other areas (as reported by Choose DuPage).
Housing Costs
Burr Ridge features a real estate market characterized by high property values. The median home price in Burr Ridge was approximately $738,000 in March 2026, showing a slight decrease from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median property value in Burr Ridge was reported as $700,400 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
The median listing price for homes in Burr Ridge reflects its status as a high-value market, with figures around $1.33 million (as reported by realtor.com®). Homes in Burr Ridge tend to be larger, with a higher proportion of four or five-bedroom residences compared to most communities in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The median sale price for all home types was $1,199,900 in April 2026 (as reported by Movoto).
Rental Prices
Rental prices in Burr Ridge are also notably higher than the national average. The average rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Burr Ridge was around $2,400 in April 2026, which is 23% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent in Burr Ridge are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $2,750 (as reported by Zumper).
The median rental price in Burr Ridge is reported to be over $3,500 per month (as reported by Niche). However, other sources indicate a median apartment rent of $1,919 as of March 2026 (as reported by RentCafe). This variation might be due to different methodologies or the inclusion of various property types in the calculations.
Job Market and Economy
Burr Ridge boasts a strong job market with sectors that offer competitive salaries. The average annual wage for a worker in Burr Ridge was approximately $78,286 as of the first quarter of 2024, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Choose DuPage). The village has a diverse economic base, with key industries including manufacturing, professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as healthcare and social services (as reported by ZoomProspector).
Sectors with the highest average wages per worker in Burr Ridge include finance and insurance, management of companies and enterprises, and professional, scientific, and technical services (as reported by Choose DuPage). The region also shows positive job growth trends in areas like healthcare and social assistance, arts, entertainment, and recreation, and transportation and warehousing over the past five years (as reported by Choose DuPage).
Major Employers
While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided search results, the leading industries in Burr Ridge offer a wide range of employment opportunities. These sectors include manufacturing, professional, scientific, and technical services, healthcare and social services, and construction (as reported by ZoomProspector). The presence of these diverse industries suggests a robust local economy that supports a significant number of jobs within the village and surrounding areas.
Salaries and Unemployment
The average salary in Burr Ridge is competitive, with an average of $79,000 per year, though figures can range significantly based on role and experience (as reported by 6figr.com). The median household income in Burr Ridge was $156,829 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), indicating a high earning potential for residents. The unemployment rate in Burr Ridge has varied among different occupation groups, with some showing very low rates (as reported by Choose DuPage).
Climate
Burr Ridge experiences a climate typical of the Midwestern United States, characterized by distinct seasons. The average high temperature is around 59°F, with average lows around 40°F (as reported by Livability.com). The village receives an average annual rainfall of 39 inches and an average annual snowfall of 33 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
These temperature and precipitation averages indicate a climate with warm summers and cold winters, typical for the region. The weather patterns are influenced by its location in Illinois, experiencing a range of seasonal conditions throughout the year.
Education and Demographics
Burr Ridge is served by the DuPage County R-1 School District, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools (as reported by Movoto). Niche.com provides school ratings, though specific ratings for Burr Ridge schools were not detailed in the immediate search results. The village has a population of approximately 11,100 to 11,200 residents, with a growing trend (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review).
The demographic profile of Burr Ridge shows a population that is predominantly White, followed by a significant Asian population, with smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). The median age in Burr Ridge is relatively high, around 56.9 years, suggesting a mature population (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). A large majority of residents are U.S. citizens, and a notable percentage are foreign-born, indicating a diverse community (as reported by Data USA).
Key Demographic Features
In terms of race and ethnicity, White residents constitute the largest group, making up about 72.5% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 14.5% (as reported by Burr Ridge Demographics). Hispanic or Latino residents represent about 5% of the population (as reported by Burr Ridge Demographics). The village has a population density that is considered high (as reported by LaBelleSells).
The median age of residents is 56.9 years, with a slightly higher median age for females than males (as reported by World Population Review). The poverty rate in Burr Ridge is low, at 3.86% of the population for whom poverty status is determined, which is well below the national average (as reported by Data USA). A significant portion of the population holds higher education degrees, with a substantial percentage having earned bachelor’s or graduate degrees (as reported by ZoomProspector).
Pros and Cons of Living in Burr Ridge
Burr Ridge offers numerous advantages, including a very safe environment with low crime rates (as reported by AreaVibes). The village is known for its affluent character, well-maintained neighborhoods, and access to green spaces and parks, contributing to a high quality of life. The strong job market, with competitive salaries in key sectors, also presents a significant benefit for residents.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing expenses, is a notable drawback, being significantly higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). While rental prices are also elevated, they may offer a more accessible entry point into the housing market compared to purchasing a home. The higher cost of living might be a barrier for some individuals or families looking to relocate.