Is Highwood Safe, Pros and cons of living in Highwood
Highwood, a charming suburb nestled along Chicago’s North Shore, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and vibrant community life. Its history is intertwined with the development of Fort Sheridan and the growth of the surrounding affluent communities, shaping its character into a destination known for its dining and nightlife. This community provides a distinct atmosphere for its residents, balancing a peaceful residential feel with accessible amenities and a connection to the larger metropolitan area.
The town’s location provides convenient access to major transportation routes, including U.S. Route 41, and offers commuter rail service via two Metra stations, connecting residents to downtown Chicago. This accessibility, coupled with a history that has seen waves of European and Mexican immigration, has contributed to Highwood’s evolving cultural tapestry. The community actively engages its residents through events like the Celebrate Highwood festivals, fostering a strong sense of local pride and connection.
Is it Safe to Live in Highwood?
Highwood presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with overall crime rates comparable to the average U.S. city. The typical annual crime rate is reported at 25.26 per 1,000 residents (according to NeighborhoodScout). However, the perception of safety can vary significantly by neighborhood, with residents generally considering the northeast part of the city to be the safest.
This variation is reflected in the chances of being a victim of crime, which ranges from 1 in 30 in the southeast neighborhoods to 1 in 60 in the northeast (according to NeighborhoodScout). While the cost of crime per resident is lower than the national and state averages, at approximately $338 per year, understanding these neighborhood-specific differences is crucial for potential residents.
Violent Crime Statistics
Highwood’s violent crime rate is reported at 2.462 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). This rate is significantly lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 74% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). In 2010, the FBI reported 9 violent crimes in Highwood, resulting in a rate of 169.27 per 100,000 residents, with aggravated assault, rape, and murder being the reported incidents (according to FBI UCR data).
While the overall violent crime rate is low, specific incidents can occur. For instance, there was one reported rape and one robbery in 2010 (according to FBI UCR data). The northeast part of the city, in particular, experiences very few reported crimes annually, contributing to its reputation as the safest area (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Property Crime Overview
Property crime rates in Highwood are also notably lower than national averages, being 68% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). In a typical year, the crime rate for property offenses stands at 25.26 per 1,000 residents (according to NeighborhoodScout). The northwest areas of Highwood see the most incidents, with approximately 4 property crimes annually, while the northeast area has the fewest, with around 0 crimes per year (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Specific property crime statistics indicate low numbers, with zero reported burglaries, larceny-thefts, and arsons in a given year, though one motor vehicle theft was reported (according to OpenCrime). The cost of crime per resident is estimated at $162 per year for violent crime and $338 per year for total crime, both of which are less than the national and state averages (according to CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout).
Pros and Cons of Living in Highwood
Highwood offers a desirable living environment with its charming atmosphere and convenient access to Chicago, but potential residents should consider various factors. The community boasts a strong sense of local identity and is known for its dining and nightlife, making it an engaging place to live.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is significantly higher than both state and national averages. While the town offers amenities and a good quality of life, these higher expenses are a key consideration for those planning a move. Understanding these trade-offs is essential for making an informed decision about relocating to Highwood.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Highwood is considerably higher than the national average, standing at 32% higher overall (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs are particularly elevated, being 92% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). For renters, the median gross rent is approximately $1,900 per month (according to Point2Homes).
The median housing cost for all households is around $2,022 per month (according to Point2Homes). These expenses contribute to Highwood being considered one of the more expensive cities in the U.S. for cost of living, with an overall index of 132, indicating it is 32% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
Housing Market
The housing market in Highwood reflects its higher cost of living, with median home values significantly above the national average. As of April 2026, the average home value in Highwood is $476,387, an increase of 8.4% over the past year (according to Zillow). The median home value is reported as $460,278 (according to Livability.com).
Rental prices are also elevated. The average rent in Highwood is approximately $1,996 per month as of May 2026, which is 22% higher than the national average (according to Apartments.com). The median rent across all property types is $2,500 (according to Zumper), and as of May 2026, the average rent price was $2,055, down $45 month-over-month (according to Redfin).
Job Market and Employment
Highwood’s job market is supported by a workforce of approximately 2,757 residents, with the majority employed in professional or administrative roles (according to Point2Homes). Major employment sectors for residents include Educational Services, Manufacturing, and Accommodation & Food Services (according to Data USA).
The median wage in Highwood is around $48,500 per year, with the 25th percentile earning $37,200 and the 75th percentile earning $62,000 (according to ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Highwood stands at 6.0% (according to Point2Homes), though another source indicates it is 2.0% for residents aged 16 and older in the labor force (according to Biggest US Cities).
Major Employers
While specific major employers for Highwood are not detailed, the town’s economy has historically been influenced by Fort Sheridan and the surrounding affluent North Shore estates, providing domestic labor and employment opportunities (according to Encyclopedia of Chicago). Today, residents are employed across a variety of sectors, with significant numbers in educational services, manufacturing, and hospitality (according to Data USA).
Companies like McDonald’s, UPS, Starbucks, and Walgreens have a presence in the broader Highwood area, offering various employment opportunities. The U.S. Army and U.S. Bank are also listed among companies operating in or near Highwood (according to Indeed.com).
Living in Highwood: Climate and Demographics
Highwood experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, with distinct seasons and moderate precipitation. The demographic profile of Highwood reveals a community with a significant portion of its population being middle-aged and a diverse racial and ethnic makeup.
Understanding these aspects of Highwood can help prospective residents gauge the lifestyle and community atmosphere they can expect. The town’s demographics suggest a stable population with a blend of long-term residents and newcomers attracted by its suburban charm.
Climate
Highwood, Illinois experiences a continental climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 15°F to 83°F. The area receives approximately 39 inches of precipitation annually, with about 37 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 83°F and lows of 64°F, while January sees the coldest temperatures, with highs around 31°F and lows of 16°F (according to myPerfectWeather).
The humidity level is generally comfortable during the summer months, making it pleasant for outdoor activities. The community experiences about 156 days of comfortable weather annually, with the best times to visit being from mid-May to September (according to myPerfectWeather).
Demographics
Highwood is home to approximately 5,301 residents, with a median age of 41 years (according to Point2Homes). The population is fairly evenly split between males (53.2%) and females (46.8%) (according to Point2Homes). A notable portion of the population, about 22.9% as of 2024, was born outside the United States (according to Data USA).
The racial makeup of Highwood includes 61.6% Caucasian, 1.2% African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 10.6% identifying with two or more races (according to Point2Homes). Another demographic breakdown indicates 57% White and 37% Hispanic residents (according to Niche).
Education
Students in Highwood are served by North Shore School District 112 and Township High School District 113. The primary elementary school is Oak Terrace Elementary School, followed by Northwood Junior High School and Highland Park High School (according to Highwood, Illinois – Wikipedia). Oak Terrace Elementary School has received mixed reviews, with its ranking fluctuating between 616 and 751 out of over 2,000 Illinois elementary schools in recent years (according to SchoolDigger.com).
The school’s proficiency rates in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science have been below district and state averages, with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students and a notable chronic absenteeism rate (according to SchoolDigger.com). Despite higher per-student spending than the state average, these factors suggest potential challenges in academic outcomes.