Is Hickory Hills Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hickory Hills
Hickory Hills, a suburb located southwest of Chicago, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. This community is characterized by its tree-lined streets, family-friendly atmosphere, and a variety of housing options. Residents often appreciate the town’s commitment to maintaining its natural beauty, with several parks and preserves contributing to its appeal.
The town’s strategic location provides easy access to major expressways, making commutes to Chicago and surrounding areas manageable. Hickory Hills is known for its diverse population and a strong sense of community, fostered by local events and a focus on resident engagement. This combination of factors makes it an attractive option for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with city proximity.
Is it Safe to Live in Hickory Hills?
Hickory Hills generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are notably lower than the national average. The overall crime rate in Hickory Hills is 47% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes are 76% lower than the national average, and property crimes are 41.1% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Violent crimes in Hickory Hills are reported at a rate of 88 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes occur at a rate of 1037 per 100,000 people, also below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Hickory Hills is 1 in 89 (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Hickory Hills is considered somewhat competitive, with a median sale price for homes. As of last month, the average home price in Hickory Hills was $330,000, showing a slight decrease of 2.9% since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). More recently, in March 2026, home prices were down 4.8% compared to the prior year, with a median sale price of $300,000 (as reported by Redfin).
The median sale price per square foot in Hickory Hills is $226, reflecting a 1.8% increase over the past year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Hickory Hills typically sell after about 41 days on the market, a slight decrease from 45 days in the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price for homes currently for sale is $399,900 (as reported by Realtor.com®).
Rental Market
The rental market in Hickory Hills offers various options, with an average rent that is more affordable than the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent in Hickory Hills is $844 per month, which is 49% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). This makes renting in Hickory Hills a more economical choice compared to many other U.S. cities.
For a studio apartment, the average rent is approximately $764 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment averages around $844 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). A two-bedroom apartment typically rents for about $1,112 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). In the past year, rent prices have seen a slight increase of 1.9%, averaging an additional $16 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Hickory Hills is generally considered to be reasonable, especially when compared to the national average. The median household income in Hickory Hills was $77,262 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). This income level supports a cost of living that is often seen as competitive for the region.
Home values in Hickory Hills have seen a modest increase, with the Zillow Home Value Index indicating a 5.8% rise over the past year, reaching a median of $325,811 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). The median home value is also reported as $278,236 (as reported by Livability.com), contributing to the overall cost of living considerations for residents.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Hickory Hills is supported by a range of businesses that contribute to its local economy. Major employers in the area include prominent retail chains and service providers that offer a variety of employment opportunities. Companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, Dollar General, UPS, Dollar Tree, and CVS Health are among the businesses operating in or near Hickory Hills (as reported by Indeed.com).
These employers provide a diverse range of jobs, from retail and customer service to logistics and food service. The presence of these established companies offers stability and accessibility for residents seeking local employment. The Hills Chamber of Commerce actively promotes local businesses, encouraging residents to patronize them to support the community’s economy and quality of life.
Employment and Unemployment
The employment landscape in Hickory Hills reflects broader economic trends, with a focus on local job opportunities. As of April 2026, the national unemployment rate was 4.3% (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). This figure provides a general context for the job market within which Hickory Hills operates.
While specific unemployment rates for Hickory Hills are not detailed in the provided data, the general economic activity suggests a steady job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks employment and unemployment data, offering insights into national and regional trends that can influence local conditions.
Average Salary
The average salary in Hickory Hills provides a key indicator of the economic well-being of its residents. The median household income in Hickory Hills was reported as $77,262 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). This figure offers a benchmark for the earning potential within the community.
For a more detailed understanding of earning potential, per capita income data from 2022 indicated an annual income of approximately $37,672 per person, which translates to about $150,688 for a family of four (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). These figures suggest a solid earning base for residents, contributing to the overall economic profile of Hickory Hills.
Climate
Temperatures and Rainfall
Hickory Hills experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, with distinct seasons. The average high temperature is around 59°F, with an average low of 43°F (as reported by Livability.com). Summers are generally warm, and winters are cold, with moderate amounts of precipitation throughout the year.
The average annual rainfall in Hickory Hills is approximately 39 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The average annual snowfall is around 28 inches (as reported by Livability.com). These figures indicate a climate with seasonal variations that residents should expect.
Schools and Education
School Ratings
The educational landscape in Hickory Hills is served by a system of public schools that cater to different grade levels. Schools in Hickory Hills, on average, receive a SchoolGrade of C-, with an actual proficiency rate of 32% compared to a projected 30% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). This indicates a generally satisfactory performance level for the local educational institutions.
For instance, Hickory Hills Elementary School in Springfield, MO, received an overall Niche grade of B minus, with a rating of 4 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Similarly, Hickory Hills Middle School in Springfield, MO, also holds an overall Niche grade of B minus (as reported by Niche). These ratings suggest that the schools provide a solid educational foundation for students in the area.
Demographics
Population and Diversity
Hickory Hills is a community with a diverse population, reflecting a mix of ethnic and racial backgrounds. As of the most current U.S. Census data, Hickory Hills has a population of 14,526 people, making it the 171st most populated city in Illinois out of 1,445 cities (as reported by CUBIT). The projected population for 2026 is 14,825, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 1.0% (as reported by CUBIT).
The largest racial or ethnic groups in Hickory Hills are White, making up 74.5% of the population, followed by Hispanic at 14.7%, and Asian at 5.4% (as reported by CUBIT). Since the 2020 Census, the community has become more racially diverse, although it remains less diverse than Illinois as a whole (as reported by Census Dots).
Median Age and Household Income
The median age of residents in Hickory Hills is 38.8 years (as reported by CUBIT). This median age suggests a population that is largely composed of working adults and families. The median household income in 2024 was $77,262 (as reported by CUBIT).
Despite the median income, 9.6% of Hickory Hills families live below the poverty line (as reported by CUBIT). The poverty rate for the city was 11.35% in 2026, showing a slight increase from previous years (as reported by Population.us). This indicates a segment of the population facing economic challenges.