Is Oak Brook Safe, Pros and cons of living in Oak Brook
Oak Brook, Illinois, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to a major metropolitan center. This affluent village is known for its well-manicured landscapes, high-quality schools, and a strong sense of community. It provides a desirable living environment for those seeking a peaceful retreat with ample amenities.
The decision to relocate to any new area involves careful consideration of various factors. Understanding the safety of a neighborhood, the cost of living, the job market, and the overall quality of life is essential. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Oak Brook, Illinois, to help potential residents make an informed choice.
Is it Safe to Live in Oak Brook?
Oak Brook’s crime rate presents a complex picture, with some statistics indicating higher-than-average property crime but lower-than-average violent crime. The overall crime rate in Oak Brook is 201.4% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, the violent crime rate is 82.6% lower than the national average, with 62 violent crimes per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Conversely, property crimes are significantly higher, with 6,326 per 100,000 people, which is 259.4% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
It’s important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood within a city. While some sources indicate a higher overall crime rate, others suggest Oak Brook has a good safety record with a crime rate 38% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is reported as 1 in 376, and for property crime, it is 1 in 136 (as reported by DoorProfit). When considering safety, it is advisable to research specific neighborhoods and consult local law enforcement for the most current and localized data.
The Cost of Living in Oak Brook
Oak Brook is recognized as an expensive place to live, with its cost of living index being significantly higher than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Oak Brook is 81% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This is largely driven by substantial housing expenses, which are 337% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Beyond housing, other essential expenses also contribute to the higher cost of living. Food costs are approximately 4% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale), and transportation expenses are also slightly elevated (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs in Oak Brook are 16% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale), further impacting the overall affordability for residents.
Housing Market Insights
The housing market in Oak Brook is characterized by high property values and a strong ownership rate. The median home value in Oak Brook is approximately $966,776, showing an 11.2% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The homeownership rate stands at a significant 91.1%, which is considerably higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Rental prices in Oak Brook are also notably high. The average rent for all property types is $5,750 per month, with a price range extending from $3,300 to $30,000 (as reported by Zillow). This indicates a market that caters to a high-income demographic, with limited options at lower price points.
The Job Market and Economy
Oak Brook boasts a robust economy and a competitive job market, attracting numerous businesses and professionals. The average salary in Oak Brook, Illinois, is approximately $73,081 per year, or $35 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). This figure is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the town’s affluent status and the concentration of high-paying industries.
The unemployment rate in Oak Brook is favorable, standing at 2% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Major employers in the area contribute to this strong economic environment. Companies such as Ace Hardware, Inland Real Estate Group, Federal Signal Corporation, and Elkay Manufacturing have a significant presence, alongside nearly 2,000 other small and mid-sized businesses (as reported by Choose DuPage).
Major Employers and Industries
Oak Brook is a leading corporate hub in the Chicagoland region, home to the headquarters of many prominent companies. These include Ace Hardware, Portillo’s Restaurants, Blistex, Federal Signal, CenterPoint Properties, and TreeHouse Foods (as reported by Wikipedia). The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce reports that its member companies employ nearly 10,000 people across various sectors, including commercial real estate, hospitality, retail, technology, banking, financial services, and healthcare (as reported by the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce).
The economic development in Oak Brook is further supported by the village’s commitment to revitalization efforts and business-friendly policies. Proximity to major expressways and airports facilitates employee recruitment, and the area offers a competitive labor advantage due to its large pool of qualified workers (as reported by Choose DuPage).
Climate and Weather in Oak Brook
Oak Brook experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average annual temperature hovers around 15°C (as reported by Weather and Climate). Summer months, from late May to mid-September, are warm, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 73°F.
Winters are cold and can be harsh, with average daily high temperatures falling below 42°F from December to March. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 19°F and highs of 32°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The area receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, with wetter periods from late March to early October.
Temperature and Precipitation Averages
The warmest month in Oak Brook is July, with average highs of 83°F and lows of 66°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average highs of 32°F and lows of 19°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The village receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 39 inches and an average annual snowfall of about 31 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
Wet days, defined as those with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are more common during the warmer months, with June averaging about 10.8 wet days. The drier season typically spans from October to March, with January having the fewest wet days, averaging around 4.9 (as reported by Weather and Climate).
Education and School Ratings
Oak Brook is served by highly-rated school districts, contributing to its appeal for families. The Butler School District No. 53, which serves Oak Brook, has received an overall Niche Grade of A+ (as reported by Niche). This district includes three schools with a total of 3,815 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 (as reported by Niche).
Individual schools within the district also receive excellent ratings. For example, schools within Butler School District No. 53 have received overall Niche Grades of A+ (as reported by Niche). These strong educational offerings are a significant draw for residents seeking quality schooling for their children.
Performance and Diversity in Schools
The schools in Oak Brook consistently perform well in state test scores, with a high percentage of students meeting or exceeding proficiency in math and reading. For instance, Oak Brook Elementary School, though located in Missouri according to one source (as reported by Niche), has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, with 58% of students proficient in math and 56% in reading (as reported by Niche). It’s important to note that the primary school district serving Oak Brook, Illinois, is Butler School District No. 53.
While specific diversity statistics for Oak Brook’s schools can vary by report, the broader demographic data for the village indicates a diverse population. The racial makeup of Oak Brook includes White (approximately 59.3%), Asian (approximately 32.7%), and Hispanic (approximately 5.7%) residents (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). This diversity is reflected in the community and its educational institutions.
Demographics of Oak Brook
Oak Brook is a relatively small village with a population that has remained stable in recent years. The projected population for 2026 is 8,048, with a projected annual rate of change of 0.0% (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). As of the most recent data, the population stands at 8,056, making it the 262nd most populated city in Illinois out of 1,445 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).
The median age in Oak Brook is 55.2 years, indicating a population that skews older compared to the national average (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). This demographic trend is reflected in the age distribution, with a substantial portion of residents aged 65 and older.
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oak Brook is diverse, with a significant Asian population alongside a White majority. White residents constitute approximately 59.3% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 32.7%, and Hispanic residents at 5.7% (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages.
In terms of citizenship, 96.4% of Oak Brook residents are U.S. citizens, a figure that is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The village also has a notable percentage of residents born outside the country, contributing to its diverse cultural landscape.
Pros and Cons of Living in Oak Brook
Oak Brook offers a high quality of life with several distinct advantages. Its highly-rated school districts provide excellent educational opportunities for children (as reported by Niche). The village also boasts a strong job market with a high average salary and a low unemployment rate, supported by numerous major employers (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert, AreaVibes).
However, the affluent nature of Oak Brook comes with a high cost of living, particularly in housing expenses, which are substantially above the national average (as reported by Payscale). While violent crime rates are low, property crime rates are considerably higher than the national average, which is a factor to consider for potential residents (as reported by AreaVibes).