Is Harwood Heights Safe, Pros and cons of living in Harwood Heights

Harwood Heights offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an appealing location for a variety of residents. This village, nestled in Cook County, Illinois, provides a close-knit community atmosphere with convenient access to the amenities of nearby Chicago. Its manageable size and distinct character contribute to its unique charm.

The community is home to a population of approximately 8,821 individuals (as reported by Niche and Data USA). The median age in Harwood Heights is around 42 years (as reported by Point2Homes and ZoomProspector), suggesting a balanced demographic with both younger and older residents. The gender distribution is nearly even, with a slight majority of females (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of the population, about 39.7%, was born outside the country, indicating a diverse cultural landscape (as reported by Data USA).

Is it Safe to Live in Harwood Heights?

Harwood Heights presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is reported to be 34% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes are significantly lower, occurring at a rate 67% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This positions Harwood Heights as a safer city than a majority of those in the United States, with a chance of being a victim of crime being 1 in 72 (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, property crime rates are slightly higher than the national average, with a C- grade indicating this trend (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The property crime rate is 15.93 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While the south part of the city is considered the safest, crime incidents are sporadic and not concentrated in any particular district (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and DoorProfit). Proactive police patrols and community programs are in place to manage crime levels effectively (as reported by DoorProfit).

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crimes in Harwood Heights are notably infrequent, with a rate of 118 per 100,000 individuals, which is 67.3% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This low incidence contributes significantly to the community’s reputation for safety. Residents have a 1 in 851 chance of being a victim of a violent crime (as reported by AreaVibes).

Property Crime Trends

Property crimes, while not overwhelmingly high, are an area where Harwood Heights sees rates slightly above the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The rate for property crimes is 1,282 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.2% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). The central areas of Harwood Heights experience more incidents of property crime, approximately 36 per year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Pros and Cons of Living in Harwood Heights

Harwood Heights offers a compelling mix of advantages for potential residents, balanced by a few considerations. The community is recognized for its highly rated public schools, providing a strong educational foundation for families. Its suburban setting offers a quieter atmosphere compared to urban centers, yet it maintains excellent connectivity to Chicago, making for convenient commutes and access to city amenities.

The cost of living in Harwood Heights is slightly higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a notable factor. However, rental prices are generally lower than the national average, offering some affordability for renters. The job market in Harwood Heights is supported by key industries such as healthcare, retail, and professional services, providing diverse employment opportunities for its residents.

Community and Lifestyle

The village boasts a strong sense of community, often described as having a close-knit feel. Residents enjoy access to well-maintained parks and recreational facilities, contributing to an active lifestyle. The blend of suburban calm and urban access is a significant draw, appealing to those who appreciate both tranquility and convenience.

Economic Landscape

The median household income in Harwood Heights is around $81,086 (as reported by ZoomProspector and Point2Homes), which is above the national average. The unemployment rate is reported at 4.4% (as reported by Kurby AI), which is slightly above the national average. Major employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA).

Housing Market Insights

The housing market in Harwood Heights presents a median home value of approximately $377,397 (as reported by Zillow) as of March 2026. This figure is higher than the Illinois state average (as reported by ZoomProspector and Livability.com). Homes in Harwood Heights tend to sell relatively quickly, with a median of 58 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).

Home Prices and Values

As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Harwood Heights was $385,000, marking a 15.4% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median home value has seen an increase of 6.3% over the past year, reaching $377,397 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This indicates some fluctuation in the market, with sale prices decreasing year-over-year while overall values have appreciated.

Rental Market Overview

The average rent in Harwood Heights is approximately $1,510 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Rentometer), which is 8% lower than the national average (as reported by Rentometer). Studio apartments average around $1,163 per month, one-bedroom units are about $1,510, and two-bedroom apartments are approximately $1,572 (as reported by Rentometer). To comfortably afford the average rent, a monthly income of about $5,033 or $60,396 annually is recommended (as reported by Rentometer).

Job Market and Major Employers

Harwood Heights features a diverse job market with key industries supporting its economy. The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA). These sectors provide a range of opportunities for individuals with various skill sets.

Employment Trends

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Harwood Heights saw a slight decline of -1.08%, with the number of employees decreasing from 4.44k to 4.39k (as reported by Data USA). The primary job groups held by residents are Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Production Occupations (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the area include retail giants like McDonald’s and ALDI, as well as healthcare providers and service-oriented businesses (as reported by Indeed.com and Data USA).

Average Salary and Unemployment

The average salary for jobs in Harwood Heights is approximately $73,083 per year, with an hourly rate of about $35 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate in Harwood Heights is reported at 4.4% (as reported by Kurby AI), which is slightly above the national average. The median household income is reported to be around $81,086 (as reported by ZoomProspector and Point2Homes).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Harwood Heights experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and wet, while winters are cold, often accompanied by snow and wind. The temperature typically ranges from 20°F in the winter to 83°F in the summer, with extreme temperatures being rare (as reported by Weather Spark).

Seasonal Temperatures

The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 73°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 83°F and lows of 68°F. Conversely, the cold season spans from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 42°F. January is the coldest month, with lows around 20°F and highs of 32°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Precipitation and Rainfall

The drier season in Harwood Heights extends from early October to late March. January typically sees the fewest days with precipitation, averaging around 5.1 days with at least 0.04 inches of rainfall. The total average annual precipitation is approximately 41.26 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). Average annual snowfall is around 38 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Educational Opportunities

Harwood Heights is served by a public school system that is generally well-regarded. Schools in the area have an average ranking of 8 out of 10, placing them in the top 30% of Illinois public schools (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This indicates a commitment to quality education within the community.

School Ratings and Performance

Public schools in Harwood Heights demonstrate strong performance in key academic areas. Math proficiency scores average 28%, and reading proficiency scores average 46%, both exceeding the state averages for Illinois public schools (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Union Ridge Elementary School, J Giles Elementary School, and J Leigh Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in the area (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Student Demographics

Minority enrollment in Harwood Heights schools constitutes about 34% of the student body, with a majority being Hispanic. This is lower than the state average for Illinois public schools (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Union Ridge Elementary School, for instance, serves 647 students in grades PK-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (as reported by Niche). The school shows strong performance in English Language Arts and Mathematics proficiency (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Demographics and Population Trends

Harwood Heights has a population of approximately 8,821 residents (as reported by Niche and Data USA). The village’s population has seen a slight decrease of -4.55% since the 2020 census (as reported by ZoomProspector). The median age is 42.2 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by ZoomProspector).

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial composition of Harwood Heights is predominantly White, accounting for about 74.13% of the population (as reported by ZoomProspector). Other significant groups include Asian residents at 10.34% and those of Hispanic origin at approximately 11.73% (as reported by Data USA and ZoomProspector). A notable portion of residents, around 39.7%, were born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA).

Household and Income Data

Harwood Heights has approximately 3,637 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income is reported at $81,086 (as reported by ZoomProspector and Point2Homes), which is above the national average. The poverty rate is 4.1% (as reported by ZoomProspector), which is considerably lower than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA).