Is Long Grove Safe, Pros and cons of living in Long Grove

Long Grove, Illinois, offers a unique blend of suburban convenience and a serene, rural atmosphere. This community is situated in Lake County, approximately 35 miles northwest of Chicago, providing residents with relatively easy access to the amenities of a major metropolitan area while maintaining a distinct, pastoral charm. The village prides itself on its strict building ordinances, which are designed to preserve its natural beauty and country feel, contributing to a high quality of life for its residents.

The demographic makeup of Long Grove reflects a community with a significant proportion of long-term residents and a strong sense of established character. The village’s population is predominantly White, with notable Asian and multiracial communities also present. This composition contributes to a diverse yet cohesive social fabric. Long Grove is also recognized for its highly-rated public schools, making it an attractive option for families seeking quality education within a close-knit community setting.

Is it Safe to Live in Long Grove?

Long Grove is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. The village has a crime grade of B, indicating that its overall crime rate is slightly below that of the average U.S. city. This safety is further supported by its ranking in the 63rd percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than a majority of cities across the country.

When examining crime more closely, the east part of Long Grove is considered the safest, while the south neighborhoods experience a higher number of incidents. The violent crime rate is particularly low, with a rate of 1.652 per 1,000 residents. This suggests that violent offenses are infrequent, contributing to a secure environment for residents.

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in Long Grove is notably low, standing at 1.652 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This statistic places Long Grove in a favorable position compared to many other communities, contributing to its reputation as a secure place to reside. The east side of the village is considered the safest, with the fewest reported incidents annually.

Within Long Grove, the chance of being a victim of violent crime varies by neighborhood. Residents in the south neighborhoods face a chance of 1 in 536, while those in the east neighborhoods have a considerably lower chance of 1 in 679. The total projected cost of violent crime for Long Grove in 2025 is estimated at $1,362,236, which translates to approximately $126 per resident (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Property Crime Statistics

While specific, up-to-date property crime statistics for Long Grove are not readily available from sources like the FBI, general crime rate analyses suggest a favorable safety profile. CrimeGrade.org indicates an overall crime rate of 20.17 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the national average. This suggests that property crimes are also likely managed effectively within the community.

The projected cost of crime in Long Grove for 2025 is estimated at $2,961,961, which includes both violent and property crime costs (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This figure represents approximately $273 per resident and $787 per household. The majority of these costs are attributed to criminal justice system expenses, followed by direct costs to victims and lost economic contributions.

Cost of Living and Housing in Long Grove

The cost of living in Long Grove is higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses. While specific cost of living index data for Long Grove is not directly provided by sources like C2ER, its status as a desirable suburb near Chicago suggests elevated costs. The median home value in Long Grove is significantly above the national median, indicating a premium for real estate in this area.

Housing in Long Grove is characterized by a high median home value. As of a recent report, the median sale price of a home in Long Grove was $988,000 (as reported by Redfin). This figure reflects the desirability and exclusivity of the Long Grove housing market, with a substantial portion of homes valued at $750,000 or more (as reported by Niche).

Housing Costs

The housing market in Long Grove is considered somewhat competitive, with homes selling relatively quickly. The median sale price for a home in Long Grove was $988,000 last month, showing a decrease of 6.4% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). However, the median price per square foot has increased by 32.9% year-over-year, indicating rising property values on a per-unit basis.

In March 2026, Long Grove home prices saw a decrease of 18.2% compared to the prior year, with a median sale price of $830,000 (as reported by Redfin). Homes typically sell after about 86 days on the market, though this can vary, with some homes selling faster if they receive multiple offers. The homeowner occupancy rate is very high, with 96% of residents owning their homes (as reported by Niche).

Rental Market

The rental market in Long Grove is relatively small, with a low percentage of residents renting their homes. The median rent price in Long Grove is reported to be over $3,500 per month (as reported by Niche). This high rental cost, combined with the strong homeownership rate, suggests that renting is less common and potentially less affordable for many in the area.

Data from Point2Homes indicates an average apartment rent of $1,849 as of February 2026, with a 9% year-over-year increase. However, this figure might represent a different segment of the rental market than the median rent reported by Niche. The rental vacancy rate is noted at 32.1%, which seems high given the overall low number of renters, suggesting a dynamic within the limited rental inventory.

Job Market and Economy

Long Grove’s economy is characterized by a strong financial and insurance sector, with a highly educated workforce. The village boasts an affluent economic character, with a significant portion of residents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. This high level of education contributes to a robust job market, particularly in professional and managerial roles.

The average annual household income in Long Grove is substantial, reflecting the economic prosperity of its residents. In 2024, the average household income was $355,039, with a median income of $250,001 (as reported by Point2Homes). This high income level is supported by a low poverty rate, with only about 1.19% of the population living below the poverty line (as reported by World Population Review).

Average Salary and Major Employers

The average salary in Long Grove is competitive, with estimates placing the median wage around $48,800 per year, and the 75th percentile reaching $63,500 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). While these figures represent a broad range, they indicate a strong earning potential for residents. Some jobs, such as those in Park Districts, Optometry, and Police services, are noted to pay significantly above the city’s average salary.

Specific major employers within Long Grove itself are not extensively detailed in the provided search results. However, the broader economic landscape of the Chicagoland area, where Long Grove is situated, features a diverse range of industries. Major sectors include finance, insurance, technology, and healthcare, providing a wide array of employment opportunities for residents within commuting distance (as reported by World Business Chicago).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Long Grove is very low, consistently below the national average. As of March 2026, the unemployment rate for Illinois was 5.1% (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, local data for Long Grove indicates an even lower rate, with one source citing an unemployment rate of 1.4% (as reported by Long Grove Authority).

This low unemployment rate suggests a strong and stable job market for Long Grove residents. A significant portion of the workforce also benefits from remote work opportunities, with approximately 35% working from home, which is well above the U.S. average (as reported by Long Grove Authority). This trend contributes to the village’s appeal as a desirable place to live and work.

Climate in Long Grove

Long Grove experiences a typical Midwestern continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters. The area experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, influenced by its proximity to Lake Michigan and continental weather patterns.

The climate offers a variety of seasonal activities and requires residents to prepare for temperature fluctuations. Summer high temperatures are generally pleasant, while winter temperatures can be quite cold, with snowfall being common. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, contributing to the region’s green landscape.

Temperature and Precipitation

Long Grove experiences average summer high temperatures in the low to mid-80s Fahrenheit, with occasional spikes into the higher 90s. Winter temperatures typically range from the low 20s to low 30s Fahrenheit, with sub-zero temperatures possible during cold snaps. The area receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year, with rainfall more common in the spring and summer months and snowfall accumulating in the winter.

For instance, current conditions at the nearby Pal-Waukee Airport show a temperature of 53°F with a wind chill of 48°F (as reported by NOAA). The extended forecast indicates a high near 62°F for today, with a low around 40°F tonight. Looking ahead, highs are expected to reach into the mid-80s by Saturday, with a chance of showers throughout the week.

Education in Long Grove

Long Grove is highly regarded for its excellent public school system, which is a significant draw for families. The village is served by top-rated schools that consistently receive high marks for academic performance and student well-being.

These highly-rated schools contribute to Long Grove’s reputation as one of the best places to live and raise a family in Illinois. The commitment to quality education is a cornerstone of the community’s appeal.

School Ratings and Districts

Public schools in Long Grove consistently receive high ratings, with many achieving an “A+” or “A” grade from Niche. Adlai E. Stevenson High School and Vernon Hills High School are among the top-rated public high schools serving the area, both receiving a rating of 4.25 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Daniel Wright Junior High School also holds a strong reputation with a rating of 4 out of 5.

The overall Niche grade for Long Grove is 4.22 out of 5, with the public schools being a major contributing factor to this high ranking. The village is ranked #4 out of 543 for places with the best public schools in Illinois, and #4 out of 363 for suburbs with the best public schools in Illinois (as reported by Niche). This strong educational environment is a key asset for residents.

Demographics of Long Grove

Long Grove is a village in Lake County, Illinois, with a population of over 8,300 residents. The community is characterized by a stable population with a median age that is higher than the national average, suggesting a mature and established residential base. The demographic profile shows a predominantly White population, with significant Asian and multiracial communities.

The village offers a high median household income, reflecting its affluent status. A large majority of residents are U.S. citizens, and a notable percentage are foreign-born, contributing to the community’s diverse cultural tapestry. Homeownership is the predominant form of tenure in Long Grove.

Population and Diversity

As of the most recent U.S. Census data, Long Grove has a population of approximately 8,305 people (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The projected population for 2026 is 8,448. The racial and ethnic composition is primarily White, making up 75.6% of the population, followed by Asian at 12.3%, and Two or More races at 4.9% (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

Long Grove’s population density is relatively low, contributing to its rural feel. The median age is 49.2 years (as reported by World Population Review), which is considerably older than the national median age. This demographic suggests a community with a significant number of established families and retirees.

Income and Household Characteristics

The median household income in Long Grove is exceptionally high, standing at $250,001 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). This figure is substantially higher than both the state and national averages, indicating a prosperous resident base. A very small percentage of families, around 0.7%, live in poverty (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

The majority of residents are homeowners, with a homeownership rate of 96.3% (as reported by Point2Homes). The average household size is around 3.16 people, and families typically consist of 3.11 members. These characteristics highlight a community with a strong preference for homeownership and stable family structures.

Pros and Cons of Living in Long Grove

Long Grove offers a compelling lifestyle for those seeking a balance between suburban amenities and a peaceful, rural environment. Its highly-rated schools, low crime rates, and affluent character are significant advantages. The village’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and country atmosphere provides a unique living experience.

However, the high cost of living, particularly housing, can be a deterrent for some. The community’s distance from Chicago, while offering a retreat, may be a consideration for those who commute regularly. Despite these factors, Long Grove remains a highly desirable location for many.

Pros

Long Grove is renowned for its exceptional public schools, which are consistently ranked among the best in Illinois (as reported by Niche). The village boasts very low crime rates, making it a safe environment for families and individuals alike (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The community’s aesthetic is characterized by large lots and abundant green spaces, preserving a private and pastoral feel.

Additionally, Long Grove offers a strong sense of community and a high median household income, indicating economic stability and prosperity for its residents (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The village’s historic downtown provides unique shopping and dining experiences, attracting visitors and contributing to local charm.

Cons

The cost of living in Long Grove is notably high, especially concerning housing prices. The median home value is significantly above the national average, which can make homeownership challenging for those with moderate incomes (as reported by Niche). While there is a rental market, the median rent is also substantial, exceeding $3,500 per month (as reported by Niche).

Long Grove’s location, while offering tranquility, is also a drawback for some due to its distance from Chicago. The average commute time to the city can be considerable, and public transportation options may be limited for some residents. The village’s strict building ordinances, while preserving its character, may also limit certain types of development or renovation.