Is Progress Safe, Pros and cons of living in Progress

Progress, Illinois, offers a blend of Midwestern charm and developing opportunities, making it a noteworthy location for those considering a move. The city is situated within Tazewell County, providing a community feel with access to regional amenities. Its setting in Illinois places it within a state known for its diverse economy and rich history.

The quality of life in any city is influenced by a variety of factors, from safety and economic stability to the natural environment and educational opportunities. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone evaluating a potential new home. Progress, Illinois, like many communities, presents a unique profile shaped by its local characteristics and broader state trends.

Is it Safe to Live in Progress?

Crime rates in Illinois present a complex picture, with variations across different regions and municipalities. In 2024, the state recorded a violent crime rate of 289 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,715 per 100,000 people (as reported by USAFacts). These figures were lower than the national average, with the violent crime rate being 19.5% lower and the property crime rate being 2.6% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by USAFacts). The Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting (I-UCR) Program collects data from law enforcement agencies, aiming for accuracy in reporting crime statistics for the state (as reported by Illinois State Police).

While statewide data offers a general overview, localized crime statistics are essential for a nuanced understanding. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program is a primary source for detailed crime data across the United States. However, specific, up-to-date crime rate data for the city of Progress, Illinois, is not readily available in the provided search results. NeighborhoodScout, which compiles data from 18,000 local law enforcement agencies, also provides crime statistics, noting that the latest available data reflects the 2024 calendar year, released in October 2025 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). To assess safety in Progress, it would be beneficial to consult local law enforcement reports or community-specific crime statistics if available.

Economic Landscape and Job Opportunities

The job market in Illinois is influenced by a diverse range of industries, contributing to the state’s overall economic health. As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in Illinois was 5.10%, which is lower than the long-term average of 6.69% (as reported by YCharts). This indicates a relatively stable job market within the state. The average weekly wage in Illinois was $1,228 in March 2026, which is lower than the national average (as reported by USAFacts).

Major employers in Illinois span various sectors, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. For instance, in Will County, which is near Progress, major employers include Amazon, Plainfield School District #202, and Silver Cross Hospital (as reported by Will County Center for Economic Development). While specific major employers for Progress itself are not detailed in the provided information, the presence of large companies and diverse industries across Illinois suggests a broad employment base. The state’s overall population is growing, with an increase of 16,108 residents between July 2024 and July 2025, indicating economic activity and potential for job growth (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

Average Salary and Income

The average salary in Illinois is reported as $38.24 per hour or $68,870.24 per year (as reported by unbiased.com). Another source indicates the median income in Illinois is $50,000, with a statewide annual salary range of $37,020 to $124,560 (as reported by Playroll). A good salary in Illinois is generally considered to be around $90,000 per year (as reported by unbiased.com). For the period ending March 2026, the average wage in Illinois was $1,228 per week, showing a 1% increase from the previous year (as reported by USAFacts).

Income levels can vary significantly depending on location within the state. For example, median salaries in Chicago are around $65,250, while in Naperville, a suburb, the median income is approximately $110,474 (as reported by Playroll). These figures highlight the economic disparities that can exist within Illinois, influenced by factors such as industry concentration and cost of living.

Cost of Living and Housing

The overall cost of living in Illinois is generally considered moderate, ranking as the 25th highest for cost of living among U.S. states (as reported by unbiased.com). More recent data indicates that the cost of living in Illinois is 1.09 times more expensive than the U.S. average, ranking it 16th most expensive (as reported by RentCafe). This suggests that while not among the most expensive states, Illinois does present costs that require consideration.

Housing costs are a significant component of the cost of living. The median home sale price in Illinois is approximately $299.9K, with a median rental price of $2.2K (as reported by realtor.com®). Zillow reports the average Illinois home value at $285,736 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). Rent prices can vary, with the average rent in Illinois being $1,710 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). However, other sources indicate the average rent in Illinois is $1,858 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zillow), and Redfin notes it was $2,223 last month (as reported by Redfin).

Housing Prices and Rent

The Illinois housing market shows a median home sale price of $299.9K, with a moderate selection of homes available for sale (as reported by realtor.com®). The median rental price stands at $2.2K, reflecting ongoing demand in both urban and suburban rental markets. The pace of sales has slightly shifted, with the median days on market increasing year-over-year, offering buyers a bit more time to consider listings.

Rental inventory in Illinois includes about 28.9K listings, providing renters with a good selection and potentially easing bidding pressures. Year-over-year rent growth is around 3.68%, indicating steady demand that supports investor income while increasing costs for renters. Apartments.com reports the average rent in Illinois at $1,710 per month as of May 2026, with one-bedroom apartments averaging this amount (as reported by Apartments.com). Zillow indicates a higher average rent of $1,858 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Illinois experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers, with frequent, short-term temperature fluctuations (as reported by Illinois State Water Survey). The state’s location midway between the Continental Divide and the Atlantic Ocean, and its inland position, contribute to these distinct seasonal changes. Average annual temperatures range from 48°F in the north to 58°F in the south (as reported by Illinois State Water Survey).

Precipitation patterns in Illinois show regional variations, with average annual precipitation exceeding 48 inches in the south and less than 32 inches in the north (as reported by Illinois State Water Survey). May and June are typically the wettest months, while January and February are the driest. The state experiences numerous rainstorms, with some localized events producing significant rainfall within a few hours. Severe weather is also a factor, with Illinois averaging about 29 tornadoes annually, primarily between April and June (as reported by Illinois State Water Survey).

Temperature and Precipitation Averages

Average summer high temperatures across Illinois are generally in the 80s, with lows in the 60s (as reported by Illinois State Water Survey). Winter highs range from the 30s in the north to the mid-40s in the south, with average lows in the teens to upper 20s. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures, with average spring highs ranging from 57°F in the north to 67°F in the south.

Regarding precipitation, Illinois has generally become wetter over the last century. Mean precipitation has increased by 5% to 20% across the state, and the number of days with heavy rainfall (2 inches or more) has increased by 40% (as reported by The Nature Conservancy). Climate change projections indicate that rainfall amounts are expected to continue increasing in Illinois, with higher temperatures allowing the air to hold more moisture, leading to more intense rain events (as reported by Illinois Department of Natural Resources). Springtime flooding is a particular concern due to potential increases in spring precipitation, which could impact agriculture (as reported by Illinois State Water Survey).

Education and School Ratings

The Illinois Report Card, released annually by the Illinois State Board of Education, provides comprehensive data on school and district performance across the state (as reported by Illinois Report Card). This resource aims to inform families and communities about educational progress and to support local schools. The report card offers two versions: a customizable PDF and an interactive web-based version for comparing performance data and reviewing trends.

While specific school ratings for Progress, Illinois, are not detailed in the provided search results, the Illinois Report Card system allows for detailed examination of individual schools and districts. For example, in the 2026 rankings of best school districts in Illinois by Niche, districts like Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204 and Community High School District No. 155 received high ratings, indicating strong educational environments in those areas (as reported by Niche). Families seeking information on local schools in Progress would benefit from consulting the Illinois Report Card website for district-specific data and performance metrics.

Demographics and Population Trends

Illinois is a populous state, with a population of 12,694,798 people as of 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (as reported by Illinois Demographics). The state’s racial composition is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), making up 63.33% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 13.79% (as reported by Illinois Population 2026). The state also has a significant Hispanic population, representing 18.8% of residents (as reported by Data USA).

Recent population trends indicate growth for Illinois, with an increase of 16,108 residents between July 2024 and July 2025, marking the third consecutive year of growth (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). This growth is attributed to natural population gains and a decrease in domestic outmigration. Additionally, a substantial influx of international migrants has significantly boosted the state’s population, particularly in 2023 and 2024 (as reported by Illinois population grows in 2024). This demographic shift suggests a dynamic and evolving population landscape within the state.