Is Evergreen Park Safe, Pros and cons of living in Evergreen Park

Evergreen Park, a village in Cook County, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Bordering Chicago, it provides a distinct community feel while remaining closely connected to the bustling city life. This characteristic makes it an appealing option for a variety of residents.

The village is known for its strong community spirit, evident in its numerous churches and local events. Its history is intertwined with the growth of the Chicago metropolitan area, evolving from farmland to a developed residential community. This evolution has shaped Evergreen Park into a place that values both its past and its future.

Is it Safe to Live in Evergreen Park?

Crime Statistics

Evergreen Park experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average. The total crime rate is 181% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to an average of 3.06 daily crimes, with a small fraction being violent incidents and the majority being property-related offenses (as reported by AreaVibes).

Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Evergreen Park is approximately 1 in 839, which is considered about average for communities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, the chance of becoming a victim of property crime is significantly higher, at 1 in 18, or 57 per thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Neighborhood Safety Perceptions

While overall crime statistics present a challenge, residents often perceive certain areas as safer than others. Generally, the southwest part of Evergreen Park is considered the safest by its residents (as reported by Crime Explorer). Conversely, crime rates can vary by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing more incidents than others within the village’s official boundaries.

The cost of crime per resident in Evergreen Park is approximately $472 per year, which is slightly higher than the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). This figure underscores the importance of community-wide efforts to enhance safety and reduce crime.

Cost of Living in Evergreen Park

Housing Expenses

Housing costs in Evergreen Park are generally lower than the national average. The median home value is approximately $257,917 (as reported by Livability.com), and the median property value is $267,500 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Evergreen Park is 84.8% (as reported by Data USA).

For renters, the median gross rent is $1,420 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). Housing expenses in Evergreen Park are 18% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This affordability makes homeownership a more attainable goal for many residents.

Overall Cost of Living

Evergreen Park’s overall cost of living is generally considered to be slightly lower than the national average. The cost of living index is 7% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices are also lower, by 8% compared to the national average (as reported by Payscale).

However, some expenses can be higher. Grocery prices are 2% higher than the national average, and healthcare costs are 6% higher (as reported by Payscale). Transportation expenses are on par with the national average.

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

The economy of Evergreen Park is supported by several key industries and employers. The Little Company of Mary Hospital is noted as the village’s largest employer (as reported by Encyclopedia of Chicago). Other significant sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA).

Several well-known companies operate in or near Evergreen Park, including Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, UPS, ALDI, and Target (as reported by Indeed.com). These businesses contribute to the local employment landscape and the village’s economic vitality.

Employment and Income

The labor force in Evergreen Park is substantial, with a median household income that is competitive. The median household income is approximately $95,719 (as reported by Salary.com). This figure indicates a financially stable population within the village.

The unemployment rate in Evergreen Park is 4.1% (as reported by Niche). The average salary for a paraprofessional in Evergreen Park is $23.84 per hour (as reported by Indeed.com). The median wage for all jobs in Evergreen Park is around $69,200 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Weather

Temperature and Seasons

Evergreen Park experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm, humid, and wet, with temperatures typically ranging from 67°F to 85°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are freezing, snowy, and windy, with January temperatures averaging a low of 20°F and a high of 33°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The overall temperature range throughout the year is generally between 18°F and 85°F, rarely falling below 2°F or exceeding 92°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, while the cold season spans from early December to early March.

Precipitation and Humidity

The village receives an average annual precipitation of about 40 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The month with the most rainfall is typically June, with an average of 3.6 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 36 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The humidity level is generally comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment for residents. The wetter season extends from late March to early October, with a notable chance of wet days during this period.

Education in Evergreen Park

School District Overview

Evergreen Park is served by Evergreen Park Education Service District 124, which includes public schools for students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche). The district’s average testing ranking is 5 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois (as reported by Public School Review).

Public schools in the district show an average math proficiency score of 19% and a reading proficiency score of 29% (as reported by Public School Review). Minority enrollment constitutes 67% of the student body, which is higher than the Illinois public school average (as reported by Public School Review).

High School Performance

Evergreen Park High School is a public school serving grades 9-12. It ranks among the top 30% of Illinois high schools and holds a 4-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The school has a strong 4-year graduation rate, often ranging from 87.7% to 95.5% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

The school’s student population is diverse, with significant percentages of White, African American, and Hispanic students (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Test scores at Evergreen Park High School are generally above state averages in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.

Demographics of Evergreen Park

Population and Age Distribution

Evergreen Park has a population of approximately 19,420 residents (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Evergreen Park is around 38.8 years (as reported by Data Commons). The population is distributed with about 21.5% under 15, 10.6% between 15 and 24, 26.3% between 25 and 44, 25.8% between 45 and 64, and 15.7% aged 65 and older (as reported by Point2Homes).

Gender-wise, about 50.4% of the residents are male, and 49.6% are female (as reported by Point2Homes). The village has seen a slight population decrease in recent years, with a projected population of 19,018 in 2026 (as reported by Population.us).

Race and Ethnicity

The racial makeup of Evergreen Park includes a significant White population, followed by Black or African American residents. White residents constitute approximately 49.8%, while Black or African American residents make up about 25.5% (as reported by Data Commons). Hispanic residents represent about 17.6% of the population (as reported by Data Commons).

In terms of citizenship, 95.2% of Evergreen Park residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). A portion of the residents, about 10.1%, were born outside of the country (as reported by Data USA).