Is Dunlap Safe, Pros and cons of living in Dunlap
Dunlap, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban comfort and community-focused living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quieter pace of life. Nestled in Peoria County, this village provides a more rural atmosphere while remaining connected to the amenities of the larger Peoria metropolitan area. Its appeal lies in its highly-rated schools and a strong sense of local identity.
The community’s real estate market is characterized by a high homeownership rate, with most residents owning their homes rather than renting. This suggests a stable community invested in its properties and future. Dunlap’s proximity to Peoria allows residents to access a broader job market and a wider range of services, balancing small-town charm with urban convenience.
Is it Safe to Live in Dunlap?
Dunlap is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is reported to be 81% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly low, with rates 84% lower than the national average (AreaVibes).
The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Dunlap is approximately 1 in 252, and the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is even lower, at about 1 in 468 (AreaVibes, DoorProfit). These statistics place Dunlap in the top percentile for safety, indicating a much lower crime rate compared to the average U.S. city. Residents generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest (CrimeGrade.org).
Crime Statistics Overview
Property crime rates in Dunlap are also notably low, standing at 4.183 per 1,000 residents annually (CrimeGrade.org). This translates to a lower chance of experiencing property-related incidents, further contributing to the town’s secure environment. The cost of crime per resident is significantly less than both the national and state averages (CrimeGrade.org).
The projected cost of crime in Dunlap for 2025 is estimated to be around $173 per resident, which is substantially lower than the national average (CrimeGrade.org). This low crime rate is a significant factor for families and individuals prioritizing safety in their choice of residence.
Housing and Living Costs
Dunlap’s housing market presents a median home value of $289,600 (Data USA). This figure is lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible for many. The homeownership rate in Dunlap is notably high, at 85.8% (Data USA), indicating a strong preference among residents to own their homes.
The median gross rent in Dunlap is $976 per month (Data USA). This rent price is considerably lower than the national average, which provides a more affordable option for those who prefer to rent. Housing costs in Dunlap are generally considered to be 22% higher than the national average (Payscale). However, this is balanced by other cost factors in the area.
Real Estate Market Trends
The median listing price for homes in Dunlap is around $437.5K, with a median sale price of $295K as of early 2026 (Realtor.com, Redfin). The market is described as very competitive, with homes selling quickly. Year-over-year home value growth has been reported at 20.76% (Realtor.com).
Rental inventory in Dunlap shows a trend of increasing, with landlords potentially offering incentives. However, year-over-year, rent counts have decreased, and the median rent has also seen a decline (Realtor.com). The average rent for a home in Dunlap is approximately $1,500 per month (Trulia, Zillow).
Economic Landscape and Employment
The median household income in Dunlap is approximately $141,552 annually (Data USA, Point2Homes). This income level is significantly higher than both the state and national averages, suggesting a prosperous community. The poverty rate in Dunlap is low, at around 3.3% (Point2Homes, Niche).
The unemployment rate in Dunlap is reported to be 2.4% (Point2Homes). This low unemployment rate indicates a robust job market and strong economic stability for its residents. Many residents work in professional or administrative positions, with a smaller percentage in hands-on or service-based jobs (Point2Homes).
Major Employers and Industries
Key employment sectors for Dunlap residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Educational Services (Data USA). These industries provide a diverse range of job opportunities within the community and surrounding areas.
Major employers in the broader Peoria metropolitan area, which Dunlap is part of, include OSF HealthCare and Caterpillar Inc. These larger entities contribute significantly to the regional economy, offering numerous employment prospects for Dunlap residents (ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Dunlap experiences a climate characterized by long, warm, humid summers and freezing, snowy, windy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 18°F to 85°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -1°F or exceeding 93°F (Weather Spark).
The warm season lasts from late May to late September, with average daily high temperatures above 74°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 84°F and lows of 66°F. Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 43°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows near 19°F and highs of 33°F (Weather Spark).
Precipitation and Seasonal Conditions
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year in Dunlap, with the wettest month being June, averaging 3.7 inches of precipitation (Weather Spark). The drier season occurs from late September to late March, with January having the least amount of rainfall, averaging 0.8 inches.
Snowfall is common during the winter months, with an average annual snowfall of 22 inches (myPerfectWeather). The period of snow typically begins in December and ends in March, with January seeing the most snowfall. The chance of a wet day is greater than 26% from late March to late September (Weather Spark).
Education and School System
Dunlap is served by Dunlap Community Unit School District No. 323, which is highly rated within Illinois. The district consistently receives strong rankings, often placing in the top tier for academic performance and student achievement (Niche, SchoolDigger.com).
Dunlap High School is recognized as a top-performing school, often ranking among the best in the state. Students demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, reflecting the quality of education provided. The district also boasts high graduation rates and a low dropout rate (SchoolDigger.com).
School District Performance
Schools within the Dunlap CUSD 323 district generally outperform state averages in key academic areas. This high level of performance is a significant draw for families seeking quality education for their children. The district’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its consistently strong rankings and student outcomes (SchoolDigger.com, Niche).
Despite the overall high performance, there is a noted concern regarding chronic absenteeism rates across the district. However, this is often a broader issue that many school districts face, and it does not detract from the generally excellent educational environment Dunlap provides (SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics and Community Profile
Dunlap has a population of approximately 1,360 residents (Data USA). The community is predominantly White, making up about 77.9% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 10.2% (Point2Homes). The percentage of non-Hispanic White residents is also high, at 78.5% (Point2Homes).
The village has a high rate of U.S. citizenship, at 95.2% (Data USA). A small percentage of residents, around 7.87%, were born outside the country (Data USA). The median age in Dunlap is 43.7 years, indicating a community with a slightly older population compared to national averages (Data USA, Census Reporter).
Population Trends and Diversity
The population of Dunlap has seen a slight decline in recent years, with projections indicating a modest increase in the coming years. The community is characterized by a relatively low foreign-born population and a strong majority of White residents (Data USA, Census Reporter).
While Dunlap is not a highly diverse city in terms of racial or ethnic makeup, it offers a stable and established community. The majority of households do not report speaking a language other than English at home, indicating a largely monolingual population (Data USA).