Is Lockport Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lockport
Lockport, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and accessible urban amenities, making it an attractive place for many to call home. Situated southwest of Chicago, this city provides a distinct lifestyle with a connection to its historical roots along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Residents often find a community atmosphere coupled with the conveniences of nearby metropolitan attractions.
The city’s character is shaped by its demographic makeup, economic landscape, and environmental conditions. Understanding these facets is crucial for anyone considering a move to Lockport, as they influence everything from daily commutes to overall quality of life. This overview aims to provide a comprehensive look at what living in Lockport entails.
Is it Safe to Live in Lockport?
Lockport, Illinois, presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates varying by neighborhood and type of offense. Overall, the city’s crime rate is considered to be around the average for all cities and towns in America, regardless of size (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). This means there is a chance of being a victim of crime, with the likelihood being about 1 in 153 residents (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates in Lockport are comparable to the national average, with a rate of approximately 6 per 1,000 residents.
However, Lockport’s violent crime rate is notably below the national average. Assaults, rape, murder, and armed robbery occur less frequently in Lockport than in most of the United States, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime being about 1 in 1,495 residents (according to NeighborhoodScout). Some analyses even rank Lockport among the top 100 safest cities in the U.S. based on its crime rate compared to similarly sized cities, indicating that certain areas within Lockport are quite safe.
Demographics and Population
Lockport, Illinois, is home to a population of approximately 26,409 residents (as per the latest Census Bureau data). The median age in Lockport is around 38.5 years, with a relatively balanced gender distribution, slightly favoring females. The community is largely composed of U.S. citizens, with a high percentage of residents being native-born.
The racial makeup of Lockport is predominantly White, accounting for about 87.3% of the population (according to Point2Homes). Other racial groups, including those identifying with two or more races, Black or African American, and Asian residents, constitute smaller percentages of the overall demographic. The community is largely English-speaking, with no households primarily reporting a non-English language at home (according to Data USA).
Job Market and Economy
The workforce in Lockport, Illinois, is substantial, with approximately 14,620 residents employed. The majority of these workers, about 78.1%, are engaged in professional or administrative positions, while the remaining 21.9% are in hands-on or service-based roles (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of the working population, around 70.5%, is employed by private companies, with others working in the public sector or running their own businesses.
The average annual salary in Lockport is approximately $44,880, though this can vary widely based on occupation and experience (as per ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Lockport, IL, is reported as $111,981 (according to CUBIT). The unemployment rate in Lockport stands at around 4.6%, which is considered typical for the area (according to Data Commons).
Housing Market and Costs
The housing market in Lockport, Illinois, is characterized by a high homeownership rate, with approximately 84.6% of residents owning their homes (according to Data USA). The median property value in Lockport was around $316,000 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). Recently, the median home price in March 2026 was $355,000, showing a slight decrease of 5.3% compared to the previous year (according to Redfin).
Rental costs in Lockport are higher than the national average. The average rent for an apartment in Lockport, IL, is approximately $1,908 per month (as of May 2026), which is about 16% higher than the national average (according to Apartments.com). To comfortably afford rent, it’s generally advised to earn around $76,320 annually, or about $6,360 per month, ensuring rent does not exceed 30% of income.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Lockport, Illinois, is approximately 17% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). Housing expenses are a significant contributor, being about 32% higher than the national average. Conversely, utility prices are slightly lower, about 5% less than the national average.
Transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are approximately 4% higher than the national average. Grocery prices are also a bit higher, around 4% above the national average. Healthcare expenses in Lockport are notably higher, by about 16% compared to the national average.
Climate and Weather
Lockport, Illinois, experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally long, warm, humid, and wet, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 83°F and a low of 64°F (according to Weather Atlas). Winters are freezing, snowy, and windy, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 18°F and a high of 32°F.
Rainfall occurs throughout the year in Lockport, with the wettest month being June, averaging about 3.7 inches of rain. The driest month is January, with an average of 0.9 inches of precipitation. The city experiences significant seasonal variation, with temperatures typically ranging from 17°F to 84°F annually.
Education and Schools
Lockport, Illinois, is served by a number of public schools. The Lockport School District No. 91, which serves students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, has an above-average overall Niche grade of B+. In this district, approximately 40% of students are proficient in math and 61% are proficient in reading, according to state test scores (as reported by Niche).
For high school education, Lockport Township High School East serves grades 9-12. This school boasts a commendable graduation rate of 97% (according to Illinois Report Card). Lockport’s public schools generally rank well within Illinois, with an average ranking of 7/10, placing them in the top 50% of public schools in the state (according to Niche).
Major Employers
While specific current major employers are not detailed in the provided search results, historical data and general economic activity suggest key industries in the Lockport area. Manufacturing has been a significant sector, with companies like General Motors, Moog, and Rich Products noted as major manufacturing employers within a 30-mile radius in past reports (according to Town of Lockport Economic Development). Non-manufacturing private sector employers, such as Kaleida Health and GEICO, have also been prominent.
The workforce in Lockport is largely employed in professional and administrative roles, indicating a presence of service-based industries and corporate offices. The proximity to Chicago also means that many residents may commute to the larger metropolitan area for employment opportunities in a wider range of sectors.
Demographics and Population (Lockport, NY)
Lockport, New York, has a population of approximately 20,394 residents as of 2024 (according to Data Commons). The median age in the city is around 36.8 years (as per Data Commons). The population is predominantly White, making up about 85.0% of residents, followed by Black or African American at 8.2%, and those identifying with two or more races at 4.4% (according to Data Commons).
Citizenship is high in Lockport, NY, with 97.7% of residents being U.S. citizens (as of 2024, according to Data USA). Approximately 3.81% of residents were born outside the country. The poverty rate in Lockport is 15.2% of the population for whom poverty status is determined, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA).
Job Market and Economy (Lockport, NY)
The average annual salary in Lockport, New York, is approximately $44,424 (as of May 2026, according to ZipRecruiter). This equates to an hourly wage of about $21.36. Most salaries in Lockport range between the 25th percentile of $32,148 and the 75th percentile of $55,420 annually.
The unemployment rate in Lockport, NY, was reported at 6.2% in 2026 (according to Data Commons). In terms of employment sectors, 11.6% of the non-military labor force is employed by local, state, and federal government entities (according to Data Commons).
Housing Market and Costs (Lockport, NY)
The housing market in Lockport, New York, saw median home prices increase by 16.1% in March 2026 compared to the previous year, reaching $180,000 (according to Redfin). Homes in Lockport typically sell within 39 days on the market. The median sale price per square foot was $105 in March 2026, a decrease of 29.8% from the prior year.
Rental prices in Lockport, NY, have decreased by 5.78% over the past year, with the average rent now at $1,029 per month (as of April 2026, according to RentCafe). This makes renting in Lockport more affordable than the national average, which is $1,641 per month. A one-bedroom apartment averages around $847 per month, while a two-bedroom unit is about $1,109 per month.
Cost of Living (Lockport, NY)
The cost of living in Lockport, New York, is approximately 3% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Housing expenses are about 6% higher than the national average, with utility prices being 8% lower. Transportation costs are slightly higher, at 3% above the national average.
Grocery prices in Lockport are about 3% lower than the national average. Healthcare costs are also lower, by approximately 11% compared to the national average. The overall monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $2,346, and for a family of four, they are around $4,991.
Climate and Weather (Lockport, NY)
Lockport, New York, experiences a climate with comfortable summers and freezing, snowy, windy, and mostly cloudy winters. Temperatures typically range from 19°F to 78°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 5°F or exceeding 85°F (according to Weather Atlas). July is the hottest month, with average highs of 77°F and lows of 63°F.
The city sees rainfall throughout the year, with September being the wettest month, averaging 2.7 inches. February receives the least rain, with about 0.7 inches. The chance of a wet day is greater than 27% from late March to early December, with June having the most wet days, averaging 10.2 days with precipitation.
Education and Schools (Lockport, NY)
Lockport, NY, is served by the Lockport City School District, which comprises K-12 grades. This district is ranked as above average, with a Niche grade of B+. The district serves approximately 4,274 students, with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
State test scores indicate that 47% of students are proficient in math and 41% are proficient in reading. The district’s graduation rate is 92%, which has increased over the past five school years (as reported by Public School Review). Lockport City School District is also noted for its diversity, ranking #109 out of 609 districts in New York for diversity (according to Niche).
Major Employers (Lockport, NY)
While specific current major employers are not detailed in the provided search results, information from the Town of Lockport Economic Development indicates historical and potential sectors. Major manufacturing employers within a 30-mile radius have included companies like General Motors and Moog. Non-manufacturing private sector employers such as Kaleida Health and GEICO have also been significant.
Additionally, the Town of Lockport has a notable percentage of its non-military labor force employed by government entities. The proximity to Buffalo and the Niagara metropolitan area suggests access to a broader range of employment opportunities in various industries.
Crime Rates (Lockport, NY)
Lockport, New York, has a crime rate that is 49% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Lockport are 59% higher than the national average, and property crimes are 47% higher. This means that in Lockport, there is a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
However, the cost of crime per resident in Lockport is lower than both the national and New York state averages. The projected cost of crime for 2025 is approximately $230 per resident. The city’s police department has a ratio of 2.5 police officers per 1,000 residents, which is lower than both the New York and national averages (according to AreaVibes).
Cost of Living (Lockport, IL vs. Lockport, NY)
Comparing Lockport, Illinois, and Lockport, New York, reveals distinct cost of living differences. Lockport, IL, has a cost of living that is 17% higher than the national average, largely driven by housing expenses which are 32% above the national average (according to Payscale). In contrast, Lockport, NY, has a cost of living that is 3% lower than the national average, though its housing expenses are 6% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).
For renters, Lockport, IL, has an average rent of $1,908 per month, significantly higher than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Lockport, NY, offers more affordable rental options, with an average rent of $1,029 per month, which is considerably lower than the national average (according to RentCafe).
Housing Market (Lockport, IL vs. Lockport, NY)
The housing markets in the two Lockports also show notable differences. In Lockport, IL, the median home price was $355,000 in March 2026, with a homeownership rate of 84.6% (according to Redfin and Data USA). The market is described as somewhat competitive, with homes selling in about 71 days on average.
Conversely, Lockport, NY, has a more accessible housing market, with a median home price of $180,000 in March 2026, and home prices up 16.1% year-over-year (according to Redfin). Homes there sell more quickly, in an average of 39 days. The rental market in Lockport, NY, is also more affordable, with average rents significantly below the national average.
Climate (Lockport, IL vs. Lockport, NY)
The climates of Lockport, Illinois, and Lockport, New York, share some similarities as continental climates but have distinct characteristics. Lockport, IL, experiences long, warm, humid, and wet summers, with cold, snowy, and windy winters. Temperatures typically range from 17°F to 84°F annually, with June being the wettest month (according to Weather Atlas).
Lockport, NY, has more comfortable summers that are partly cloudy, while winters are freezing, snowy, windy, and mostly cloudy. Temperatures range from 19°F to 78°F, with September being the wettest month. While both cities experience seasonal variations, Lockport, NY, tends to have slightly milder summer highs and colder winter lows compared to Lockport, IL.
Demographics (Lockport, IL vs. Lockport, NY)
Demographically, Lockport, Illinois, is a larger city with approximately 26,409 residents, predominantly White (around 87.3%). The median age is about 38.5 years (according to Point2Homes and Data USA). The population is largely U.S.-born citizens.
Lockport, New York, is smaller, with about 20,394 residents, also predominantly White (around 85.0%). The median age is slightly younger at 36.8 years (according to Data Commons). Both cities have a high percentage of U.S. citizens, but Lockport, NY, has a poverty rate that is higher than the national average.
Job Market (Lockport, IL vs. Lockport, NY)
The average salary in Lockport, IL, is around $44,880 annually, with an unemployment rate of about 4.6% (according to ZipRecruiter and Data Commons). The majority of the workforce is in professional and administrative roles.
In Lockport, NY, the average annual salary is approximately $44,424, with an unemployment rate of 6.2% (according to ZipRecruiter and Data Commons). While salaries are comparable, the higher unemployment rate in Lockport, NY, could indicate a slightly less robust job market compared to its Illinois counterpart.
School Ratings (Lockport, IL vs. Lockport, NY)
In Lockport, IL, public schools have an average ranking of 7/10, placing them in the top 50% of Illinois public schools. Lockport Township High School East has a commendable 97% graduation rate (according to Niche and Illinois Report Card).
Lockport, NY, is served by the Lockport City School District, which holds an above-average Niche grade of B+ and a 92% graduation rate. While both cities offer decent educational opportunities, Lockport, IL, appears to have a slight edge in overall school rankings within their respective states.