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

Is it Safe to Live in Cahokia Heights?

Cahokia Heights faces significant challenges regarding crime rates. The city’s violent crime rate in 2019 was 57.79% higher than the national average, and the property crime rate was 115.03% higher than the national average (as reported by CityRating.com based on FBI data). In 2019, the violent crime rate was also 47.13% higher than the state average, and the property crime rate was 145.71% higher than the state average (as reported by CityRating.com based on FBI data).

Further analysis indicates that Cahokia has a crime rate higher than 80% of Illinois cities and towns of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout based on FBI crime data). The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Cahokia is 1 in 64 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout based on FBI crime data). Property crime is a particular concern, with a rate of 12 per one thousand population, placing it above the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout based on FBI crime data).

Demographics and Community Profile

Cahokia Heights has a population of approximately 17,106 residents as of the most current US Census data. The median age in the city is 30.3 years (as reported by World Population Review). The racial composition is predominantly Black or African American at 69.7%, followed by White at 20%, and Two or More Races at 7.2% (as reported by World Population Review).

The city was formed in May 2021 through the merger of the villages of Cahokia and Alorton and the city of Centreville (as reported by Wikipedia). This consolidation aimed to create a more unified and efficient municipal structure. The population has seen a decline, with a 21% decrease between 2010 and 2020 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

Economic Landscape and Cost of Living

The economic landscape of Cahokia Heights is characterized by a lower-than-average median household income. The median household income is $33,792 (as reported by World Population Review and Census Reporter). This is significantly below the state average of $83,390 (as reported by Census Reporter).

The poverty rate in Cahokia Heights stands at 34.15% (as reported by World Population Review), which is considerably higher than the national average of 35.7% (as reported by Census Reporter). The unemployment rate was last reported at 6.3% (as reported by Cahokia Heights Authority).

Housing Costs

Housing prices in Cahokia Heights are notably lower than the Illinois median. The median home value is approximately $56,000 (as reported by Cahokia Heights Authority). Zillow data indicates an average home value of $51,367 as of March 31, 2026, showing a slight increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

The median listing price for homes is around $66,000 (as reported by Realtor.com®). The rental market also reflects this affordability, with the average rent in Cahokia Heights being $1,300 (as reported by Zillow Rentals data).

Job Market and Major Employers

Information on major employers in Cahokia Heights is not readily available from the provided search results. However, broader employment data for the region can offer some insight. The most common employment sectors for residents living in Cahokia, IL, include Health Care & Social Assistance, Accommodation & Food Services, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA).

Common job groups include Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations (as reported by Data USA). For those seeking employment, Indeed lists the estimated salary for a Crew Member in Cahokia Heights, IL, at $16.61 per hour (as reported by Indeed).

Climate and Environment

Cahokia Heights experiences a continental climate, bordering on subtropical. Summers are typically hot and muggy, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 80°F from late May to mid-September. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 69°F (as reported by WorldClimate.com).

Winters are cold and snowy, with average daily high temperatures below 51°F from late November to late February. January is the coldest month, with average highs around 41°F and lows of 25°F (as reported by WorldClimate.com). The area experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with May being the wettest month, averaging 4.1 inches, and January being the driest, with an average of 1.7 inches (as reported by WorldClimate.com).

Environmental Concerns

Cahokia Heights faces environmental challenges, particularly concerning flooding and sewage backups. These issues are exacerbated by the city’s low elevation within an urbanized watershed, older sewer infrastructure, and heavy rainfall (as reported by Illinois EPA). Heavy rain events and dry-weather sanitary sewer overflows have been recurring problems, leading to the implementation of a Consent Decree to address these infrastructure deficiencies (as reported by Illinois EPA).

The wastewater collection and transport systems, built in the 1980s, discharge to the American Bottoms wastewater treatment plant. However, the condition and maintenance of these older systems contribute to hydraulic loading and sewer backups during periods of significant rainfall (as reported by Illinois EPA).

Education and Schools

The educational landscape in Cahokia Heights presents mixed reviews. Cahokia High School, serving grades 8-12, is part of the Cahokia Community Unit School District No. 187. It has a D grade on Niche and a 1/10 GreatSchools Rating (as reported by Homes.com).

Within the Cahokia Community Unit School District No. 187, which serves PK-12 students, the overall Niche grade is a D minus. State test scores indicate that only 2% of students are proficient in math and 8% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Pros and Cons of Living in Cahokia Heights

A significant advantage of living in Cahokia Heights is its affordability, particularly in housing. The median home value is considerably lower than the state average, making it an accessible option for homebuyers (as reported by Cahokia Heights Authority). The city’s location also offers proximity to St. Louis, providing access to a larger metropolitan area’s amenities and job opportunities.

However, the high crime rates are a major drawback, posing safety concerns for residents (as reported by CityRating.com and NeighborhoodScout). The city also grapples with significant environmental issues, including frequent flooding and sewage problems, which can impact the quality of life (as reported by Illinois EPA).