Is La Grange Safe, Pros and cons of living in La Grange
Is it Safe to Live in La Grange?
La Grange, Illinois, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in La Grange is significantly lower than the national average, with reports indicating it is 55% lower per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes are also notably lower, by approximately 48% compared to the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Residents often feel secure in La Grange, with many considering the central part of the city to be the safest area. The chance of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, but overall, the community is perceived as safe, with a high percentage of students reporting feeling safe (as noted by Niche). Year-over-year crime in La Grange has also seen a decrease of 14% (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in La Grange, Illinois, is higher than the national average, largely due to housing expenses. Overall, La Grange’s cost of living is approximately 35% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses in particular are about 135% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
The median home value in La Grange is around $594,300 (as reported by Niche), with recent data indicating a median home price of $456,000 as of December 2025, showing a year-over-year growth of 4.4% (as reported by Prop:Metrics). The median rent in La Grange is $1,856 (as reported by Niche), and more recent data from May 2026 indicates a median rent of $2,312 for all bedroom counts and property types (as reported by Zumper). This figure is 19% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper).
Housing Costs
Housing costs are a significant factor in the overall cost of living in La Grange. The median home value has seen an increase, with a projection of 1.8% growth over the next year according to Zillow data (as reported by Prop:Metrics). Rent prices have also shown an upward trend, with the average rent price increasing by $43 month-over-month in August 2025 (as reported by Redfin).
This higher cost of housing is a key consideration for those planning to move to La Grange. While utility prices are slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale), and transportation expenses are only marginally higher (as reported by Payscale), the housing market significantly influences the financial landscape for residents.
Job Market and Economy
La Grange, Illinois, boasts a stable job market with various employment opportunities. The average annual salary in La Grange is reported to be $52,122 as of May 2026, which breaks down to approximately $25.06 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources provide a higher average salary of $73,099 per year, or $35 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).
The unemployment rate in La Grange is low, with recent data indicating it stands at 1.6% (as reported by Niche). This low unemployment rate suggests a healthy job market with ample opportunities for residents seeking employment.
Major Employers
While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided search results for La Grange, Illinois, the general economic landscape suggests a diverse range of industries. The proximity to Chicago likely provides access to a broad spectrum of employment, from corporate positions to service industry roles. The presence of various businesses and services within La Grange itself contributes to the local employment base.
Climate and Weather
La Grange, Illinois, experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and can be wet, while winters are cold, often accompanied by snow and wind. The average annual temperature range is from approximately 19°F to 84°F, with temperatures rarely dropping below 0°F or exceeding 92°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
The average annual rainfall is around 39 inches, and the average annual snowfall is approximately 35 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The warmer season, lasting about 3.8 months from late May to mid-September, typically sees daily high temperatures above 74°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 84°F and lows of 67°F.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
The colder season spans about 3.1 months, from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 42°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 19°F and highs of 32°F. Wet days, defined as those with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, occur more frequently from late March to early October, with July having the most wet days, averaging 11.1 days.
Schools and Education
La Grange, Illinois, is served by highly-rated school districts, offering quality educational opportunities for its residents. LaGrange School District No. 105, for example, is a public school district with a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1, and it receives an overall Niche grade of A- (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 51% of students are proficient in math and 64% in reading within this district (as reported by Niche).
School Ratings and Performance
Several elementary schools in La Grange are highly ranked, including Ogden Ave Elementary School, Pleasantdale Elementary School, and Cossitt Ave Elementary School, all receiving 5 out of 5 stars from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Lyons Township High School is a prominent institution, ranking among the top high schools in Illinois and earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger, with test scores significantly exceeding state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics and Population
La Grange, Illinois, is a moderately sized village with a population of 16,321 as of the 2020 census (as reported by La Grange, IL – Official Website). The median age of residents is 40.5 years, with 26.9% of the population under 18 and 15.1% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia). The village is predominantly White, making up 78% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 13% (as reported by Niche).
Population Characteristics
The demographic makeup of La Grange includes a nearly equal distribution of males and females, with 94.4 males for every 100 females (as reported by Wikipedia). A significant portion of households, 38.1%, include children under the age of 18 (as reported by Wikipedia). The median household income is reported as $125,965 (as reported by La Grange, IL – Official Website), and more recent data indicates a median household income of $142,952 (as reported by Livability.com).
Pros and Cons of Living in La Grange
Living in La Grange, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and access to urban amenities, presenting both advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The community is known for its safety and strong school systems, making it an attractive option for families. However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is notably higher than the national average.
Advantages
La Grange is recognized for its safety, with crime rates significantly below national averages (as reported by AreaVibes). The village also boasts highly-rated public schools, with several elementary schools and a prominent high school receiving top marks from educational ranking sites (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com). The median household income is also considerably higher than the national average, suggesting a strong local economy and earning potential.
Disadvantages
The primary drawback of living in La Grange is the high cost of living, driven substantially by housing expenses which are 135% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). While salaries are above the national average, the elevated cost of housing and other expenses can impact affordability for some individuals and families. The median home value is over $450,000 (as reported by Prop:Metrics), and median rents are also above the national average (as reported by Zumper).
Is it Safe to Live in La Grange?
La Grange, Illinois, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in La Grange is significantly lower than the national average, with reports indicating it is 55% lower per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes are also notably lower, by approximately 48% compared to the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Residents often feel secure in La Grange, with many considering the central part of the city to be the safest area. The chance of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, but overall, the community is perceived as safe, with a high percentage of students reporting feeling safe (as noted by Niche). Year-over-year crime in La Grange has also seen a decrease of 14% (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in La Grange, Illinois, is higher than the national average, largely due to housing expenses. Overall, La Grange’s cost of living is approximately 35% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses in particular are about 135% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
The median home value in La Grange is around $594,300 (as reported by Niche), with recent data indicating a median home price of $456,000 as of December 2025, showing a year-over-year growth of 4.4% (as reported by Prop:Metrics). The median rent in La Grange is $1,856 (as reported by Niche), and more recent data from May 2026 indicates a median rent of $2,312 for all bedroom counts and property types (as reported by Zumper). This figure is 19% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper).
Housing Costs
Housing costs are a significant factor in the overall cost of living in La Grange. The median home value has seen an increase, with a projection of 1.8% growth over the next year according to Zillow data (as reported by Prop:Metrics). Rent prices have also shown an upward trend, with the average rent price increasing by $43 month-over-month in August 2025 (as reported by Redfin).
This higher cost of housing is a key consideration for those planning to move to La Grange. While utility prices are slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale), and transportation expenses are only marginally higher (as reported by Payscale), the housing market significantly influences the financial landscape for residents.
Job Market and Economy
La Grange, Illinois, boasts a stable job market with various employment opportunities. The average annual salary in La Grange is reported to be $52,122 as of May 2026, which breaks down to approximately $25.06 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources provide a higher average salary of $73,099 per year, or $35 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).
The unemployment rate in La Grange is low, with recent data indicating it stands at 1.6% (as reported by Niche). This low unemployment rate suggests a healthy job market with ample opportunities for residents seeking employment.
Major Employers
While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided search results for La Grange, Illinois, the general economic landscape suggests a diverse range of industries. The proximity to Chicago likely provides access to a broad spectrum of employment, from corporate positions to service industry roles. The presence of various businesses and services within La Grange itself contributes to the local employment base.
Climate and Weather
La Grange, Illinois, experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and can be wet, while winters are cold, often accompanied by snow and wind. The average annual temperature range is from approximately 19°F to 84°F, with temperatures rarely dropping below 0°F or exceeding 92°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
The average annual rainfall is around 39 inches, and the average annual snowfall is approximately 35 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The warmer season, lasting about 3.8 months from late May to mid-September, typically sees daily high temperatures above 74°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 84°F and lows of 67°F.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
The colder season spans about 3.1 months, from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 42°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 19°F and highs of 32°F. Wet days, defined as those with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, occur more frequently from late March to early October, with July having the most wet days, averaging 11.1 days.
Schools and Education
La Grange, Illinois, is served by highly-rated school districts, offering quality educational opportunities for its residents. LaGrange School District No. 105, for example, is a public school district with a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1, and it receives an overall Niche grade of A- (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 51% of students are proficient in math and 64% in reading within this district (as reported by Niche).
School Ratings and Performance
Several elementary schools in La Grange are highly ranked, including Ogden Ave Elementary School, Pleasantdale Elementary School, and Cossitt Ave Elementary School, all receiving 5 out of 5 stars from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Lyons Township High School is a prominent institution, ranking among the top high schools in Illinois and earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger, with test scores significantly exceeding state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics and Population
La Grange, Illinois, is a moderately sized village with a population of 16,321 as of the 2020 census (as reported by La Grange, IL – Official Website). The median age of residents is 40.5 years, with 26.9% of the population under 18 and 15.1% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia). The village is predominantly White, making up 78% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 13% (as reported by Niche).
Population Characteristics
The demographic makeup of La Grange includes a nearly equal distribution of males and females, with 94.4 males for every 100 females (as reported by Wikipedia). A significant portion of households, 38.1%, include children under the age of 18 (as reported by Wikipedia). The median household income is reported as $125,965 (as reported by La Grange, IL – Official Website), and more recent data indicates a median household income of $142,952 (as reported by Livability.com).
Pros and Cons of Living in La Grange
Living in La Grange, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and access to urban amenities, presenting both advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The community is known for its safety and strong school systems, making it an attractive option for families. However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is notably higher than the national average.
Advantages
La Grange is recognized for its safety, with crime rates significantly below national averages (as reported by AreaVibes). The village also boasts highly-rated public schools, with several elementary schools and a prominent high school receiving top marks from educational ranking sites (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com). The median household income is also considerably higher than the national average, suggesting a strong local economy and earning potential.
Disadvantages
The primary drawback of living in La Grange is the high cost of living, driven substantially by housing expenses which are 135% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). While salaries are above the national average, the elevated cost of housing and other expenses can impact affordability for some individuals and families. The median home value is over $450,000 (as reported by Prop:Metrics), and median rents are also above the national average (as reported by Zumper).