Is Broadview Safe, Pros and cons of living in Broadview
Broadview, Illinois, a village situated just west of Chicago, offers a unique blend of residential, commercial, and industrial characteristics. This community has evolved significantly since its incorporation in 1914, transforming from a rural settlement to a more developed suburban area. Its motto, “A balanced community,” reflects its ongoing effort to integrate various aspects of urban living while maintaining a distinct community feel.
The village’s strategic location provides convenient access to major transportation routes and proximity to Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports, as well as the Chicago loop. This accessibility has contributed to its development as a hub for businesses and industries, alongside its residential neighborhoods. Broadview’s commitment to economic development is evident in its business-friendly policies and ongoing revitalization efforts, aiming to attract new enterprises and support existing ones.
Is it Safe to Live in Broadview?
Broadview’s crime rate is a complex picture, with some statistics indicating rates lower than national averages for certain crime types, while others suggest higher rates compared to the state or national average for overall crime. Violent crime rates in Broadview are reported to be significantly below the national average, with an average rate of 13.2 per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI crime data). Property crime rates are also reported to be slightly below the national average, at 158.2 per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI crime data).
However, other analyses suggest Broadview’s overall crime rate is higher than the average US city, ranking in the 28th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 28% of U.S. cities (as reported by Crime Grade). The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Broadview is approximately 1 in 87 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While some sources indicate a decrease in crime year-over-year, the perception of safety can vary by neighborhood, with residents often considering the northeast part of the city to be the safest (as reported by Crime Grade).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
The housing market in Broadview, Illinois, presents a dynamic landscape with notable price fluctuations. As of February 2026, the median sale price for a home in Broadview was reported at $305,000, showing a significant year-over-year increase of 69.4% (as reported by Redfin). Another report from March 2026 indicated a median home price of $311,000, with prices up 3.8% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). These figures suggest a rising market, with homes selling faster than in previous years.
The cost of living in Broadview is generally considered to be lower than the national average. Overall, Broadview’s cost of living is approximately 11% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Housing expenses are notably lower, estimated to be 30% below the national average (as reported by PayScale). Utility prices are also more affordable, at 8% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Home Prices and Trends
Recent data indicates a strong upward trend in Broadview’s housing market. In February 2026, the median sale price of a home stood at $305,000, marking a substantial 69.4% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes are spending more time on the market, with the median days on market at 340 in February 2026, compared to 234 days in the prior year (as reported by Redfin). This suggests a shift towards a less competitive market, despite rising prices.
However, other reports present a different picture of market competitiveness and pricing. As of March 2026, the median sale price was $311,000, with a 3.8% increase year-over-year, and homes sold in an average of 62 days, a decrease from 118 days the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This indicates a market that may be becoming more competitive, with faster sales times. Another source cited a median home price of $244,379, which is less expensive than the U.S. median of $393,134 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).
Rental Market
The rental market in Broadview, IL, shows a median rent of $1,345 per month for all property types (as reported by Zillow). This figure represents a decrease of $855 year-over-year, though there was a slight increase of $45 in the last month (as reported by Zillow). The available rental properties range from approximately $990 to $7,924 per month, with 12 rentals listed as available in Broadview, IL (as reported by Zillow).
The average rent in Broadview, IL, is notably lower than the national average rent. The national average rent was reported at $1,910 per month as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This suggests that renting in Broadview may offer a more affordable option compared to many other areas across the country.
Cost of Living Breakdown
Broadview’s overall cost of living is approximately 11% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). This affordability is driven by several key expense categories. Housing expenses are significantly lower, by about 30% compared to the national average (as reported by PayScale), making homeownership or renting more accessible.
Utility costs in Broadview are also below the national average, by approximately 8% (as reported by PayScale). Transportation expenses, including gas prices and public transit fares, are reported to be on par with the national average, showing no significant increase or decrease (as reported by PayScale). Grocery prices are slightly higher than the national average, by about 2% (as reported by PayScale), while healthcare costs are about 6% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Job Market and Economy
Broadview’s economy is characterized by a mix of industrial, commercial, and service-based businesses, contributing to its diverse employment landscape. The village has a history of industrial development, with significant land set aside for industrial use, attracting a variety of manufacturers over the years (as reported by Encyclopedia of Chicago). This industrial base continues to be a key component of the local economy, providing employment opportunities.
In recent years, Broadview has experienced notable business growth, with an increase in new businesses and the expansion of existing ones (as reported by West Side, IL Patch). The village has actively worked to create a business-friendly environment, streamlining processes and investing in infrastructure to attract entrepreneurs and create jobs (as reported by West Side, IL Patch). Major employers and businesses in the area include a range of retail, service, and industrial companies.
Major Employers and Industries
Broadview is home to a diverse range of companies contributing to its economic vitality. Major employers and businesses include retail giants like Walmart, McDonald’s, Target, ALDI, Starbucks, Amazon.com, Dollar Tree, and The Home Depot (as reported by Indeed.com). These companies provide a significant number of employment opportunities across various sectors.
The village also boasts a robust industrial sector. Historically, companies like International Harvester had a significant presence (as reported by Encyclopedia of Chicago). More recently, Vanee Foods is planning an expansion, and the Ironworkers Local 63 Architectural Metals Trainee Education Center is under construction, indicating continued industrial and commercial development (as reported by West Side, IL Patch). Other businesses contributing to the local economy include Cintas and GNC Holdings Inc. (as reported by Lensa).
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in the United States was reported at 4.3% in April 2026 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Specific unemployment data for Broadview, IL, is not readily available in the provided search results, but the national rate provides a general economic context. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the primary source for U.S. labor economics and statistics, tracking key indicators like unemployment rates, inflation, and employment figures.
Average salary information for Broadview is also not directly detailed in the provided search results. However, national data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates various wage measures, such as average hourly earnings and employment cost index, which reflect overall labor costs and compensation trends. The median household income in Broadview was reported at $64,697 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau data compiled by CUBIT), with a poverty rate of 9.36% (as reported by World Population Review).
Climate and Environment
Broadview, Illinois, experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The average high temperatures in the summer typically reach the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, while winter lows can dip into the teens and single digits Fahrenheit. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with a tendency for more rainfall during the spring and summer months.
The region receives an average annual rainfall that varies, but generally falls within a moderate range for the Midwest. Snowfall is common during the winter months, contributing to the cold-weather conditions. The National Weather Service and NOAA provide detailed climate data, including temperature, precipitation, and other meteorological statistics for the Broadview area, often using data from nearby weather stations like Chicago Midway Airport.
Education and Demographics
Broadview’s demographic profile shows a population of approximately 7,998 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The village has a median age of 43.4 years, indicating a population that skews slightly older than the national average (as reported by Wikipedia). The racial composition is diverse, with Black or African American residents forming the largest group at 59.5%, followed by Hispanic residents at 23.6%, and White residents at 9.3% (as reported by US Census Bureau data compiled by CUBIT).
Educational opportunities in Broadview are served by local school districts. While specific school ratings for Broadview’s K-12 schools are not detailed in the provided search results, general information about educational institutions is available. For instance, Broadview Elementary School in Oak Harbor, WA, received an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche), and Broadview-Thomson K-8 School in Seattle, WA, has an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). It is important to consult local school district reports for specific ratings and performance data relevant to Broadview, Illinois.
Population and Diversity
The population of Broadview was recorded at 7,998 in the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). Projections estimate the population to be around 7,953 in 2026, with an assumed annual rate of change of 0.4% (as reported by US Census Bureau data compiled by CUBIT). The village is considered racially diverse, with the Black or African American population constituting 59.5%, followed by Hispanic at 23.6%, and White at 9.3% (as reported by US Census Bureau data compiled by CUBIT).
Broadview ranks as the 271st most populated city in Illinois out of 1,445 cities, according to the most current US Census data (as reported by US Census Bureau data compiled by CUBIT). The demographic makeup has evolved, with an increase in the Hispanic and Multiracial populations since the 2020 census (as reported by Census Dots).
School Ratings and Performance
Information regarding specific school ratings for Broadview, Illinois, is not comprehensively detailed within the provided search results. However, general data on schools with “Broadview” in their name in other locations offers some insight into how such institutions are evaluated. For example, Broadview Elementary School in Oak Harbor, WA, received an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche), with strong marks in diversity and teachers. Similarly, Broadview-Thomson K-8 School in Seattle, WA, also holds a B+ Niche grade, excelling in diversity and teacher quality (as reported by Niche).
For residents of Broadview, Illinois, it is recommended to consult local school district reports and resources like Niche.com for detailed and specific ratings and performance data pertaining to the schools serving the Broadview community. These resources typically provide information on academic performance, student-teacher ratios, and parent reviews.