Is Palos Hills Safe, Pros and cons of living in Palos Hills
Palos Hills, a suburb southwest of Chicago, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. It’s a community that attracts those seeking a quieter pace of life while remaining connected to the broader metropolitan area. The city presents a unique profile, balancing affordability with a good quality of life, making it a consideration for individuals and families alike.
This analysis delves into the various facets of living in Palos Hills, examining its safety, cost of living, economic landscape, educational opportunities, and environmental characteristics. By providing a comprehensive overview, this guide aims to assist prospective residents in making an informed decision about whether Palos Hills is the right fit for their needs and aspirations.
Is it Safe to Live in Palos Hills?
Palos Hills is generally considered a safe community with crime rates that are below the national average. The city’s overall crime rate is notably lower than that of many other U.S. cities, with violent crime incidents occurring less frequently than the national rate (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This safety is a significant draw for residents seeking a secure environment.
While the overall crime rate is low, specific neighborhoods may experience slight variations. The western parts of Palos Hills are often cited as the safest areas, with fewer reported incidents compared to the northeast neighborhoods (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents can expect a low chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime, contributing to a sense of security throughout the community (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Costs and Real Estate Market
The housing market in Palos Hills offers a degree of affordability compared to the national average, making it an attractive option for potential homeowners and renters. The median home value in Palos Hills is approximately $241,000, which is below the national median (as reported by Livability.com). This value has seen an increase, with home prices rising by 4.2% in March 2026 compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
For renters, the median rent in Palos Hills is around $1,354 per month, also below the national average (as reported by Livability.com). However, other sources indicate a median rent closer to $1,269 per month, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,248 and two-bedroom apartments around $1,454 (as reported by Point2Homes and Apartments.com). The rental market has seen some fluctuation, with a slight increase of 2.7% in average rent over the past year (as reported by Apartments.com).
The Palos Hills housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with homes typically selling after a certain period on the market. In March 2026, homes sold on average after 101 days, a longer duration compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median list price for homes in Palos Hills was $285,117 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Palos Hills is considered to be slightly higher than the U.S. national average, by about 12% (as reported by Salary.com). However, it is notably lower than the state average for Illinois. Housing expenses are a significant factor, being 14% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale), contributing to the overall affordability.
Utility prices in Palos Hills are also lower than the national average, by approximately 8% (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are comparable to the national average, showing no significant increase or decrease (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are marginally higher than the national average, by about 2% (as reported by Payscale).
For a single person, the estimated monthly living expenses in Palos Hills are around $2,776, while for a family of four, this figure rises to approximately $6,112 (as reported by Salary.com). These figures reflect the combined costs of housing, food, energy, transportation, and healthcare.
Economic Landscape: Jobs and Salaries
Palos Hills has a robust job market, with a significant portion of its working population employed in professional or administrative roles (as reported by Point2Homes). The average annual salary in Palos Hills is approximately $49,624, though other sources suggest a median household income of $83,533 (as reported by ZipRecruiter and Data Commons).
The unemployment rate in Palos Hills is reported to be 2.6% (as reported by Niche). This figure is competitive, indicating a healthy employment environment for residents. The employment rate in Palos Hills is currently 95.27% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).
Major employers in the Palos Hills area include large retail and service corporations such as FedEx, McDonald’s, Target, Dollar Tree, Taco Bell, CVS Health, Burger King, and Walgreens (as reported by Indeed.com). Additionally, educational institutions like Moraine Valley Community College are significant employers (as reported by Zippia).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Palos Hills experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from a low of 19°F in January to a high of 84°F in July, rarely dropping below 1°F or exceeding 92°F (as reported by Time and Date and Weather Spark). The warmest months are July and August, while January is the coldest.
Monthly rainfall varies throughout the year, with June receiving the most precipitation at an average of 3.6 inches, and January receiving the least at 0.9 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The average annual rainfall for Palos Hills is around 40 inches, with an average annual snowfall of 26 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
The weather in Palos Hills can be unpredictable, with daily temperatures and precipitation levels fluctuating. For example, on a given day in May, temperatures might range from the low 40s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit, with a chance of rain (as reported by AccuWeather).
Education and School Ratings
The public school system in Palos Hills is highly regarded, with schools consistently ranking among the top in Illinois. The district boasts strong performance in math and reading proficiency, exceeding the state averages (as reported by Niche). Oak Ridge Elementary School and Amos Alonzo Stagg High School are frequently cited as top-ranked institutions within the Palos Hills public school system (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com).
The student-teacher ratio in Palos Hills public schools is generally favorable, with an average of 15.2:1 at the elementary level (as reported by Livability.com). This ratio, combined with high proficiency scores, suggests a conducive learning environment for students.
The North Palos School District 117, which serves Palos Hills, has received high ratings from the Illinois State Board of Education, with several schools earning “Exemplary” designations (as reported by North Palos 117 Schools). These accolades reflect the district’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Demographics and Community Profile
Palos Hills is home to a diverse population of approximately 18,081 residents, with a median age of 42 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial makeup of the community is predominantly White, accounting for about 83.7% of the population, followed by African American at 6.2%, and smaller percentages of other racial groups (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is relatively stable, with a slight annual decline of -0.61% (as reported by Population 2026).
Households in Palos Hills consist of an average of two members, with 60.1% being families and 39.9% being individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income is reported at $83,533, with a poverty rate of 5.4% (as reported by Data Commons and Point2Homes).
The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the adult age brackets, with 25.7% between 25-44 years old and 26.1% between 45-64 years old. Around 20% of residents are 65 or older, indicating a community with a balanced age demographic (as reported by Point2Homes).