Is Lemont Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lemont

Is it Safe to Live in Lemont?

Lemont, Illinois, presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates significantly lower than national averages. The village boasts a violent crime rate that is notably below the U.S. average, positioning it among the safer communities in the nation (as reported by AreaVibes). This low incidence of violent crime makes Lemont an appealing choice for individuals and families seeking a secure place to live.

Further analysis of crime statistics indicates that Lemont’s overall crime rate is substantially lower than the national benchmark, with violent crimes occurring at a much reduced frequency (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While specific neighborhood safety can vary, the general trend points towards a secure atmosphere throughout the village. The cost of crime per resident is also lower than both the national and state averages, underscoring the community’s safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living and Housing in Lemont

Housing Costs

The cost of housing in Lemont is higher than the national average, with median home values standing at $468,800 (as reported by Data USA). This figure reflects a 4.69% increase between 2023 and 2024, indicating a growing real estate market. The homeownership rate in Lemont is quite high, at 87.6%, which is considerably above the national average (as reported by Data USA).

For those considering renting, the average rent in Lemont is approximately $2,150, which is also above the national average (as reported by Zillow). Rental prices can vary, with apartments in Lemont costing around $1,669 per month on average, while houses for rent are more expensive, averaging about $2,700 monthly (as reported by Apartments.com). This suggests a robust housing market with a strong preference for ownership.

Overall Cost of Living

Lemont’s overall cost of living is approximately 24% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This is largely driven by housing expenses, which are about 87% higher than the national average. Utility prices, however, are slightly lower than the national average, by about 5% (as reported by Payscale).

Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are around 4% higher than the national average. Grocery prices in Lemont are also slightly above the national average, by approximately 4%. Healthcare expenses are notably higher, sitting at about 16% above the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Job Market and Economy in Lemont

Major Employers

Lemont is home to several significant employers that contribute to its diverse job market. Argonne National Laboratory is a prominent research institution and a major employer in the area (as reported by Zippia). CITGO Petroleum Corporation also has a significant presence, operating a refinery and employing a substantial workforce (as reported by Zippia).

Other key employers include PDV Midwest Refining, L.L.C., a petroleum products company, and Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, a healthcare facility. Retail giants like McDonald’s, Target, and Walgreens also provide numerous employment opportunities within the community (as reported by Indeed.com and Zippia).

Employment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in Lemont is around 4.6%, which is considered typical and below the U.S. average (as reported by Point2Homes and Lemont Authority). The workforce in Lemont is largely comprised of white-collar professionals, with 85.4% employed in professional or administrative positions (as reported by Point2Homes). Many residents commute, with an average commute time of 34.8 minutes (as reported by Data USA).

The average annual salary in Lemont is approximately $55,002, though this can vary significantly by occupation and experience (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income is considerably higher, reported at $123,370 (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a strong earning potential for residents, particularly in professional roles.

Climate and Environment in Lemont

Temperatures and Rainfall

Lemont experiences distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from an average high of 86°F in July to a low of 15°F in January (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Summers are generally warm and humid, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy. The average annual precipitation is around 41 inches, with the wettest month being June (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The climate is characterized by significant temperature swings throughout the year. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 86°F and lows of 64°F. January is the coldest, with average highs of 32°F and lows of 16°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Lemont’s weather is partly cloudy year-round. The summer months, from May to September, offer comfortable temperatures, with daily highs typically between 73°F and 83°F. The winter months, from December to March, bring freezing temperatures, with average daily highs below 41°F (as reported by Lemont Climate).

The area receives an average of 33 inches of snowfall annually. While June is the wettest month, January is the driest. Residents can expect approximately 149 days per year with comfortable weather conditions, making the spring and fall seasons particularly pleasant (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics in Lemont

School Ratings

Lemont is served by the Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A, which is rated as above average, holding a B+ grade (as reported by Niche). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 54% of students are proficient in math and 61% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Lemont Township High School is highly regarded, ranking among the top high schools in Illinois and earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. Old Quarry Middle School also performs exceptionally well, ranking in the top 6% of Illinois middle schools (as reported by Lemont, Illinois – Wikipedia).

Demographics

Lemont has a population of approximately 17,800 residents, with a median age of 43.7 years (as reported by Data USA). The village is predominantly White, making up about 86.31% of the population, with smaller percentages of Hispanic, Asian, and other racial groups (as reported by Data USA). A significant portion of residents, 17.8%, were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).

The majority of Lemont residents are U.S. citizens, with a citizenship rate of 95.6% (as reported by Data USA). The gender distribution is nearly equal, with slightly more males than females (101.1 males per 100 females) (as reported by Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Lemont

Pros

Lemont offers a high level of safety, with crime rates significantly below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The community is known for its strong sense of security, making it an attractive place for families. The village also boasts a well-regarded school district, with Lemont Township High School and Old Quarry Middle School receiving high marks (as reported by Lemont, Illinois – Wikipedia).

The median household income is substantially higher than both the state and national averages, indicating good economic prospects for residents (as reported by Lemont Authority). Additionally, the community is home to major employers like Argonne National Laboratory and CITGO Petroleum, providing diverse job opportunities (as reported by Zippia).

Cons

The cost of living in Lemont is higher than the national average, primarily due to elevated housing expenses (as reported by Payscale). The median home price is considerably above the national figure, and rental costs are also higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow).

While overall crime is low, some neighborhoods may experience higher crime rates than others, requiring awareness depending on the specific area. The average commute time is also longer than the national average, at 34.8 minutes, which could be a drawback for some residents (as reported by Data USA).