Is Kildeer Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kildeer
Kildeer, Illinois, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and upscale living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a refined lifestyle. Nestled in Lake County, this village provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city while remaining within convenient reach of Chicago’s amenities. Its well-maintained neighborhoods, spacious properties, and a strong sense of community contribute to its appeal. This guide delves into the various aspects of living in Kildeer, from safety and cost of living to its educational institutions and overall quality of life.
The village is characterized by its natural beauty, featuring tree-lined streets and a low-density environment that emphasizes privacy and open space. This setting is complemented by a community that values its exclusivity and refined atmosphere. Kildeer’s appeal extends to families and individuals looking for a high-quality living experience, supported by excellent schools and a stable local economy.
Is it Safe to Live in Kildeer?
Kildeer is recognized as a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below national averages. The village boasts a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents (OpenCrime). This exceptional safety record is further supported by a property crime rate that is also considerably lower than the national average (AreaVibes).
The overall crime rate in Kildeer is 63.1% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This impressive safety profile contributes to a high quality of life, with residents generally considering the northwest part of the city to be the safest (CrimeGrade.org). The crime trajectory has been improving over the past five years, indicating a sustained commitment to resident safety (OpenCrime).
Housing Costs and Real Estate Market
Home Prices and Values
Kildeer’s housing market is characterized by its upscale nature, featuring a median listing price of $1.20 million (Realtor.com®). The median property value in Kildeer was $770,700 in 2024, which is more than double the national average (Data USA). Home values have seen a steady increase, with a 10.4% rise between 2023 and 2024 (Data USA).
The average home value in Kildeer was $837,454 as of March 2026, reflecting a 3.9% increase over the preceding year (Zillow). This appreciation signifies a robust market that favors sellers, with homes selling quickly and often above asking price (Realtor.com®). The market remains tight, indicating high demand and limited inventory.
Rental Market
The rental market in Kildeer shows limited availability, with only a few active listings at any given time (Realtor.com®). The average rent in Kildeer, IL, is $1,750 as of May 2026 (Zillow). This figure represents a notable decrease from the previous month and year, though market conditions suggest a “warm” temperature, indicating increasing renter demand relative to the national average (Zillow).
While specific rental price ranges can vary, houses in Kildeer can rent between $1,750 and $7,000 per month (Zillow). The tight rental market suggests that competition for available properties can be significant for prospective renters.
Cost of Living and Affordability
Kildeer is known for its upscale residential setting, which contributes to a higher cost of living, particularly in housing. The median home price in Kildeer is significantly higher than the Illinois average, with some sources indicating a median cost of $529,300 (BestNeighborhood.org) and others citing a median listing price of $1.20 million (Realtor.com®). This premium is driven by factors such as custom-built homes, high-end finishes, and large lots that provide privacy and exclusivity (Kurby AI).
While the cost of living is elevated, Kildeer’s affluence is also reflected in its income levels. The median household income in Kildeer is reported as $250,001 (Data USA, Kurby AI), which is substantially higher than the state and national averages. This high income level helps to offset the higher housing costs for many residents, though the overall affordability index is considered low (Kurby AI). Property taxes and maintenance for luxury homes also contribute to the ongoing expenses of living in Kildeer.
Job Market and Economy
Employment and Unemployment
Kildeer’s job market is supported by a stable economy, with an unemployment rate that remains relatively low. The unemployment rate in Kildeer village was reported at 2.9% in 2023, which has remained consistent since 2017 (CensusReporter). This rate is lower than the state average, indicating a healthy local job market (MetroStatUSA).
Employment in Kildeer saw a slight decline of -2.83% between 2023 and 2024, with the number of employed residents decreasing from 2.15k to 2.09k (Data USA). The most common job sectors for residents include Manufacturing, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, and Finance and Insurance (Data USA).
Major Employers and Industries
While specific major employers within Kildeer itself are not detailed, the broader Lake County region is home to numerous significant companies. These include major corporations like Abbott Laboratories, ACCO Brands, and Discover Financial (Wikipedia). The industrial sector in the wider North Central Illinois region includes companies involved in manufacturing, distribution, and services (Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce, North Central Illinois Economic Development Corporation).
The primary job groups for Kildeer residents are in Management Occupations, Business and Financial Operations, and Sales and Related Occupations (Data USA). The village’s economy benefits from the larger economic landscape of Illinois, which boasts a deep talent pool and a strong business climate attracting numerous companies (Illinois Economic Development Corporation).
Climate and Weather
Kildeer experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 16°F to 84°F throughout the year, with rare extremes outside of -5°F to 93°F (myPerfectWeather). The warmest month is July, with average highs of 84°F and lows of 65°F (myPerfectWeather).
Winters are cold, with January seeing average highs of 30°F and lows of 16°F (myPerfectWeather). Kildeer receives an average of 38 inches of precipitation annually, with the wettest season occurring from March to October (myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 38 inches per year (myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
Kildeer is served by the highly-rated Kildeer Countryside Community Consolidated School District No. 96 (Niche). This public school district is located in Buffalo Grove, IL, and serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, and state test scores indicate high proficiency levels, with 72% of students proficient in math and 79% in reading (Niche).
Individual schools within the district also receive high marks. Kildeer Countryside Elementary School, for instance, is recognized as one of the top elementary schools in Illinois, consistently ranking among the best and achieving a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger (SchoolDigger). High school students typically attend Adlai E. Stevenson High School or Lake Zurich High School, both of which are well-regarded (Niche).
Demographics and Lifestyle
Population and Diversity
Kildeer is a village with a population of approximately 4,292 residents, projected to grow to 4,791 by 2026 (Data USA, Point2Homes). The village has experienced population growth, increasing by 17.43% since 2020 (Data USA). The median age in Kildeer is 45.9 years, indicating a mature population (Data USA).
The racial composition of Kildeer is primarily White (approximately 71.4%) and Asian (approximately 19.9%), with smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups (Data USA, Point2Homes). Approximately 95.3% of residents are U.S. citizens, and about 20.6% were born outside the country (Data USA). The community is largely composed of households with children, and the average household size is around three members (Point2Homes).
Income and Household Statistics
Kildeer is characterized by a high median household income, reported at $250,001 (Data USA, Kurby AI). This affluence is reflected in the fact that a significant majority of households earn more than the national average (ZoomProspector). The poverty rate in Kildeer is very low, at 0.96% (Data USA).
The average commute time for residents is 30.1 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (Data USA). Car ownership is prevalent, with an average of two cars per household (Data USA). The majority of earnings are spent on taxes, retirement, transportation, shelter, and entertainment (ZoomProspector).
Pros and Cons of Living in Kildeer
Pros
Kildeer offers an exceptionally safe living environment with very low crime rates (OpenCrime, AreaVibes). The village provides a high quality of life with upscale homes, spacious properties, and a strong sense of community (Kurby AI). Its location offers a peaceful suburban setting with convenient access to Chicago (Wikipedia).
The educational system is a significant draw, with highly-rated public schools that consistently perform well (Niche, SchoolDigger). Kildeer also boasts a stable job market with a low unemployment rate and high median household income, contributing to its overall economic health (Data USA, CensusReporter).
Cons
The primary drawback of living in Kildeer is the high cost of living, particularly concerning housing prices, which are substantially above the state and national averages (BestNeighborhood.org, Realtor.com®). While incomes are high, the overall affordability index is low, making it a less accessible option for some potential residents (Kurby AI).
The rental market is also very limited, presenting challenges for those who prefer to rent or are not yet ready to purchase a home (Realtor.com®). Additionally, Kildeer is characterized by a low-density environment, which may mean fewer readily available amenities compared to more densely populated areas (Kurby AI).