Is Bradley Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bradley

Bradley, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban comfort and small-town charm, situated within the Kankakee-Bradley Metropolitan Statistical Area. As a suburb of Kankakee, it provides a distinct community feel while benefiting from proximity to larger urban amenities. The village, established in 1891 and later renamed in honor of the David Bradley Plow Works, has grown into a community of over 15,000 residents.

This community is part of the broader Chicago–Naperville–Michigan City, IL-IN-WI Combined Statistical Area, offering residents access to a wider economic and cultural landscape. Bradley is known for its focus on future growth while honoring its past, making it an attractive location for those seeking a balance between opportunity and a close-knit environment.

Is it Safe to Live in Bradley?

Bradley’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with 26 crimes per one thousand residents (NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Bradley is 1 in 39 (NeighborhoodScout). When compared to other communities of similar population size, Bradley’s combined violent and property crime rate is notably above average (NeighborhoodScout).

Violent crime in Bradley occurs at a rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants, translating to a 1 in 373 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime affects Bradley at a rate of 23 per one thousand population, giving residents a 1 in 43 chance of being a victim (NeighborhoodScout). The village ranks in the 37th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 37% of cities but less safe than 63% (CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs

The housing market in Bradley presents a median listing price of $204,500, with the median price per square foot at $170 (Realtor.com®). Year-over-year, the median sale price has seen a decline of 4.86% (Realtor.com®). The homeownership rate in Bradley is 64.4%, which is slightly lower than the national average (Data USA).

Rental prices in Bradley are considerably lower than the national average. The average rent for all property types is $1,100 per month (Zillow). Houses for rent typically fall between $975 and $1,800 per month, with an average of $1,100 (Zillow). Apartments, on average, rent for $1,100 per month, with a price range of $975 to $1,800 (Zillow).

Cost of Living

Bradley’s overall cost of living is approximately 13% lower than the national average (Payscale). Housing expenses are notably lower, being 34% below the national average (Payscale). Utility prices are also more affordable, sitting 8% lower than the national average (Payscale).

Transportation costs in Bradley are 3% lower than the national average (Payscale). Grocery prices are on par with the national average, showing no significant difference (Payscale). Healthcare costs are marginally lower, by about 1% compared to the national average (Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

Bradley’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with Retail Trade employing approximately 1,342 residents, followed by Manufacturing with 1,272, and Health Care & Social Assistance with 1,102 (Data USA). The average annual salary in Bradley is $45,250, which equates to about $21.75 per hour (ZipRecruiter). Most salaries range between $32,341 and $55,350 annually (ZipRecruiter).

Major employers in the area include Briggs & Stratton and Caterpillar Inc., contributing significantly to job opportunities (ReadySetHire). Heartland Health is another prominent employer in the healthcare sector (ReadySetHire). The village is actively involved in economic development, focusing on business recruitment and expansion along its commercial corridors (Village of Bradley).

Climate

Bradley experiences a climate characterized by long, warm, humid, and wet summers, contrasted by freezing, snowy, and windy winters. The temperature typically fluctuates between 17°F and 86°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -1°F or exceeding 94°F (Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 85°F and lows of 65°F (Weather Spark).

Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, featuring average low temperatures of 18°F and highs of 33°F (Weather Spark). Wet days, defined as those with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are most common in June, averaging 11.3 days per month (Weather Spark). The chance of a wet day is greater than 27% from late March to late September (Weather Spark).

Education

Bradley School District No. 61 serves the community, offering education for students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (Niche). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that 14% of students are proficient in math and 34% are proficient in reading (Niche).

Within the district, Bradley East Elementary School holds a 5 out of 5 rating from Niche, while Bradley West Elementary School is rated B- (Niche). Shabbona Elementary School also receives a B+ rating (Niche). These schools are part of a system that aims to provide educational opportunities within the village.

Demographics

Bradley is home to a population of approximately 15,325 residents, with a median age of 34.7 years (Data USA). The racial composition is predominantly White, accounting for 76.9% of the population, followed by Hispanic at 11.5% and Black or African American at 6.9% (US Census Bureau). The majority of residents, 98.1%, are U.S. citizens (Data USA).

The median household income in Bradley was $67,420 in 2024 (Data USA). The poverty rate stands at 7.7%, which is lower than the national average (Data USA). Most residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 23.8 minutes (Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Bradley

Bradley offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly in housing, which is 34% less expensive (Payscale). This affordability, combined with a median household income of $67,420 (Data USA), can make it an attractive option for many. The community provides a small-town atmosphere with access to amenities and is part of a larger metropolitan area for broader opportunities.

However, Bradley’s crime rate is a significant concern, being higher than both the national and state averages (NeighborhoodScout). While the job market offers opportunities, the average salary of $45,250 (ZipRecruiter) may be a consideration for some. The climate features hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, which may not appeal to everyone.