Is South Holland Safe, Pros and cons of living in South Holland

South Holland, a village in Cook County, Illinois, offers a distinct suburban experience with a strong sense of community. Situated as a south suburb of Chicago, it provides residents with a blend of residential tranquility and access to the amenities of a larger metropolitan area. The village’s history is rooted in Dutch heritage, a characteristic that subtly influences its identity.

The area is characterized by a predominantly Black or African American population, making up approximately 75% of residents, followed by White and Hispanic communities (as reported by Data USA). This diverse demographic makeup contributes to the cultural richness of South Holland. The village’s layout and community structure aim to provide a comfortable living environment for its approximately 20,911 residents (as of 2024, according to Data USA).

Is it Safe to Live in South Holland?

South Holland’s crime rate is a significant consideration for potential residents. The village experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average, with a concerning trend compared to other communities of similar size (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your likelihood of being a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 306, while property crime presents a rate of about 1 in 49 (according to NeighborhoodScout).

When compared to other municipalities in Illinois, South Holland’s crime rate is higher than 91% of the state’s cities and towns. The overall crime rate, encompassing both violent and property crimes, is considerably higher than the national average for all communities. This suggests that while South Holland is not among the communities with the very highest crime rates, it is an area where safety concerns warrant careful consideration (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime Trends

Violent crime in South Holland occurs at a rate that is higher than in most communities across America, regardless of size. Specifically, the chance of an individual becoming a victim of violent crime, such as robbery or aggravated assault, is about 3 per thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This statistic highlights a critical area of concern for residents and local authorities alike.

The village is working to address these issues, but the data indicates a need for continued vigilance and community involvement in safety initiatives. Understanding these crime statistics is a crucial step for anyone considering making South Holland their home.

Property Crime Overview

Property crime also presents a notable concern in South Holland. The rate of property crime is higher than the national average for communities of all sizes. This aspect of crime statistics is important for evaluating the overall safety and security of the area for residents and their belongings.

While specific figures for all types of property crime are extensive, the general trend indicates that residents should be aware of these statistics when assessing the safety of South Holland. The village’s own crime statistics indicate fluctuations, with a total crime index of 516 in 2024 and 297 thefts reported (as per Village of South Holland official data).

Housing Costs and Real Estate in South Holland

South Holland’s housing market offers a range of options, with a strong emphasis on homeownership. The homeownership rate in South Holland is notably high, at 82.8%, which is significantly above the national average (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a community where residents are invested in their properties and neighborhoods.

The median property value in South Holland was approximately $217,200 in 2024, showing an increase from the previous year. This figure is lower than the national median property value, suggesting that South Holland can be a more affordable option for homebuyers compared to many other areas (as reported by Data USA).

Median Home Prices

Recent data indicates that the median sale price of a home in South Holland was around $239,000 in March 2026, reflecting a year-over-year increase (as reported by Redfin). This upward trend in home prices suggests a stable or growing real estate market. The median listing price for homes in South Holland is around $229,900 (as of March 2026, according to realtor.com®).

The market is described as somewhat competitive, with homes receiving an average of two offers and selling in approximately 125 days. This pace is slower than the previous year, indicating a potential shift in market dynamics (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is about $143, which has seen a slight decrease year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market Insights

For those considering renting, South Holland presents a varied landscape. The median rent price in South Holland is approximately $2,800 per month (as of March 2026, according to realtor.com®). Other sources place the average rent in South Holland at $3,000, which is noted as being 50% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow).

There are typically a modest number of rental listings available, indicating an active rental segment. The median rent for all property types and bedroom counts is reported as $2,200 as of March 2026, though this figure can vary significantly based on the source and specific market analysis (as reported by Zumper).

Cost of Living in South Holland

The overall cost of living in South Holland is considered to be competitive, with some expenses falling below the national average. Housing costs, in particular, are noted as being lower than the national average, with expenses being 17% less (as reported by PayScale). Utility prices also tend to be more affordable, at 8% lower than the national average.

However, it’s important to note that some costs can be higher. Grocery prices in South Holland are reported to be 2% higher than the national average. Healthcare expenses are also slightly above the national average, by approximately 6% (as reported by PayScale).

Daily Expenses

When examining daily expenses, transportation costs in South Holland are comparable to the national average, with bus fares and gas prices showing no significant difference (as reported by PayScale). This can be a positive factor for commuters and those who rely on personal vehicles for travel.

The median household income in South Holland was reported as $81,417 (according to Livability.com), which provides a benchmark for understanding how these costs relate to local earnings. Other sources indicate a median income of $85,280 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

Housing Affordability

South Holland’s housing expenses are a significant factor in its overall cost of living. With a median home value of $197,529 (as reported by Livability.com), the village offers a more accessible entry point into homeownership compared to many surrounding areas. This is further supported by a median property value of $217,200 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

The median monthly rent in South Holland is around $1,317 (according to Livability.com). However, other data points suggest a higher average rent, with Zillow reporting $2,229 and Zumper indicating $2,200 as of March 2026. These figures suggest that while homeownership is prevalent and relatively affordable, rental costs can be more varied.

Job Market and Employment in South Holland

The employment landscape in South Holland is shaped by a variety of industries, with a significant portion of residents working in transportation, warehousing, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of employed individuals in South Holland saw a decline of approximately 5.13%, from 9.4k to 8.92k employees (as reported by Data USA).

The primary job groups for residents include administrative support, transportation, and management occupations. This indicates a workforce with a diverse skill set, catering to both service-oriented and operational needs within the local and regional economy.

Major Employers

While specific major employers are not consistently detailed across all sources, the industrial breakdown suggests that large organizations in transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing are key contributors to the local job market. South Suburban College is also a significant institution within the community, serving as an educational hub and employer.

The village’s proximity to Chicago also means that many residents commute to the larger city for employment opportunities. This access to a broader job market enhances the career prospects for those living in South Holland.

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in South Holland has been a point of concern, standing at 11.5% according to Point2Homes. This rate is notably higher than the generally considered healthy range of 4% to 5%. However, other data from Data USA indicates a lower unemployment rate for Cook County at 4% in 2018, suggesting potential regional variations or older data points.

The average annual salary in South Holland is reported to be around $62,000 per year, or approximately $29.81 per hour (as reported by Zippia). Salary.com estimates a slightly higher average annual salary of $73,415 for employees of the Village of South Holland, with a typical range between $64,411 and $83,573 (as reported by Salary.com).

Climate and Weather in South Holland

South Holland experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are warm, humid, and can be wet, while winters are cold, snowy, and often windy. The weather throughout the year is generally partly cloudy (as reported by Weather Spark).

The temperature typically varies from approximately 19°F in the coldest months to 84°F in the warmest months. Extreme temperatures below 1°F or above 92°F are rare, offering a generally predictable range of weather conditions throughout the year (as reported by Weather Spark).

Average Temperatures

The warm season in South Holland spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 73°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 83°F and lows around 66°F. Conversely, the cold season lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 42°F.

January is the coldest month, with average lows around 20°F and highs around 33°F. These temperature ranges provide a clear picture of the seasonal shifts residents can expect (as reported by Weather Spark).

Precipitation and Seasonal Conditions

South Holland receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of about 38 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The wettest month is typically June, with approximately 3.7 inches of rain, while January sees the least amount of rainfall, around 1.0 inch (as reported by Weather Spark).

Winter brings an average annual snowfall of around 28 inches. The climate can be described as wet, with a greater than 26% chance of a wet day occurring between late March and the end of October. July typically experiences the most days with rain, averaging over 11 days (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education and Schools in South Holland

South Holland is served by a number of public and private schools, catering to the educational needs of its younger residents. The public school system educates approximately 80% of the K-12 student population in the village (as reported by Niche). This indicates a strong reliance on public education within the community.

However, the academic performance of South Holland’s public schools presents a mixed picture. The average math proficiency score is 11%, and the reading proficiency score is 14%, both of which are below the state averages for Illinois (as reported by Niche).

Public School Performance

Public schools in South Holland generally rank in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools. The minority enrollment is high, at 99% of the student body, with a majority being Black students, which is significantly higher than the Illinois state average (as reported by Niche).

Some schools, like McKinley Junior High School, show stronger performance on state assessments, with 50% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts. However, other schools, such as Greenwood Elementary, struggle, with only 19.5% of students proficient in mathematics (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

School Districts and Ratings

South Holland is served by several school districts, including South Holland School District No. 150 and South Holland School District No. 151. These districts have received varying ratings, with some receiving lower overall grades, such as a “D+” for South Holland School District No. 151 (as reported by Niche). These ratings are based on factors including student-teacher ratios, state test scores, and overall school environment.

The challenges faced by these districts often include high poverty levels and chronic absenteeism, which can impact academic outcomes. Despite these challenges, institutions like South Suburban College serve as important educational resources within the community (as reported by Data USA).

Demographics of South Holland

South Holland has a population of approximately 20,911 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The village is the 116th most populated city in Illinois out of 1,445 municipalities (as reported by Data USA). The population has seen a slight decrease in recent years, with a projected annual rate of change of -0.7% (as reported by Data USA).

The median age in South Holland is 41.9 years, indicating a community with a significant proportion of middle-aged and older adults. This is slightly higher than the median age in Illinois and the United States (as reported by Data USA).

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial composition of South Holland is predominantly Black or African American, accounting for approximately 75.06% of the population. White residents make up about 10.67%, with smaller percentages for other races and those of multiple races (as reported by Data Commons).

Hispanic residents constitute about 10.41% of the population. The village is noted for its diversity, being ranked among the most diverse suburbs in Illinois (as reported by Niche).

Household and Family Statistics

The median household income in South Holland was $85,280 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This figure is higher than the median income reported by some other sources, such as Data Commons ($39,285 in 2024). About 9.3% of families and 11.2% of the population live below the poverty line (as reported by Wikipedia).

The homeownership rate is high at 82.8% (as reported by Data USA), with 32.4% of households having children under 18. The average number of cars per household is two, which is in line with the national average (as reported by Data USA).