Is Stickney Safe, Pros and cons of living in Stickney

Stickney, a village nestled in Cook County, Illinois, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Its compact nature and neighborly atmosphere contribute to its appeal for those seeking a close-knit community. The village’s history is intertwined with the development of the region’s transportation infrastructure, notably its namesake, Alpheus Beede Stickney, a railroad executive.

This community provides a distinct living experience, characterized by quiet streets and a strong sense of local pride. While it may not boast the bustling commercial centers of larger cities, Stickney’s charm lies in its peaceful ambiance and the genuine connections among its residents. Its proximity to Chicago’s extensive job market and cultural attractions makes it a practical choice for commuters and families alike.

Is it Safe to Live in Stickney?

Stickney generally experiences low crime rates, with some past reports indicating periods of zero aggravated assaults compared to state averages (as reported by Willens & Baez). While specific crime statistics can fluctuate, the overall trend suggests a community that prioritizes safety and vigilance. Residents often feel secure in their neighborhoods, contributing to the village’s reputation as a peaceful place to live.

The crime rate in Stickney is reported to be 25.55 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by AreaVibes). This figure places it at a “C” grade, indicating crime is about the same as the average U.S. city, ranking in the 45th percentile for safety (as reported by AreaVibes). Neighborhoods in the west are generally considered the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime compared to other areas (as reported by AreaVibes).

Violent crime rates in Stickney are notably low, with some reports indicating they are 95.9% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also significantly below the national average, at 59.4% lower (as reported by AreaVibes). These statistics contribute to Stickney being considered safer than 85% of U.S. cities, with a very low incidence of violent crimes (as reported by AreaVibes).

Demographics and Community

Stickney is home to approximately 6,952 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The village is diverse, with a significant Hispanic population making up about 75.3% of residents (as reported by Data USA). This diverse makeup contributes to a rich cultural tapestry within the community.

The median age in Stickney is 37.8 years (as reported by Data USA). A notable characteristic is the high homeownership rate, standing at 83.3%, which is considerably higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a strong sense of rootedness among its inhabitants.

A significant portion of Stickney’s residents, 23.2% as of 2024, were born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA). Despite this, all households in Stickney reported speaking a non-English language as their primary shared language at home, suggesting a cohesive linguistic environment within the community (as reported by Data USA).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Stickney is generally considered to be lower than the national average, with housing expenses being particularly affordable. Housing expenses are approximately 25% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The median property value in Stickney was $244,900 in 2024, marking a 3.77% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA).

Rental costs in Stickney are also notably affordable, with the average rent being $794 per month as of May 2026. This figure is 52% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month, making it a cost-effective option for renters (as reported by Apartments.com). The rental market has seen a slight increase of 1.4% in the past year (as reported by Apartments.com).

The median household income in Stickney was $66,942 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This income level, combined with the lower cost of living, suggests a reasonable balance for residents. The homeownership rate is high at 83.3% (as reported by Data USA), indicating that a majority of residents invest in their homes.

Job Market and Economy

The primary employment sectors for Stickney residents are Retail Trade, Manufacturing, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA). These industries provide a diverse range of job opportunities within the local economy.

The average annual salary in Stickney is approximately $53,798 as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This salary range is typical for many roles, with the 25th percentile earning around $39,724 and the 75th percentile earning up to $63,039 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Stickney village was 4.1% in 2024 (as reported by CensusDepth).

Historically, major employers have included industrial companies like the Stickney Brick and Mortar mill, Stickney Steel, Electric, and Paper Companies (as reported by Willens & Baez). However, recent news indicates that Koppers Holdings Inc. may be closing its Stickney, Illinois facility by December 31, 2026, impacting approximately 85 employees (as reported by Investing.com). This potential closure highlights the dynamic nature of the local job market.

Climate and Weather

Stickney experiences a climate characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, snowy, and windy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 20°F to 84°F throughout the year, with rare occurrences of temperatures below 2°F or above 93°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). This temperature range provides distinct seasonal variations for residents.

The average annual rainfall in Stickney is 39 inches (as reported by Livability.com). June is typically the wettest month, with an average of 3.6 inches of rain, while January receives the least, averaging 0.9 inches (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). Precipitation occurs throughout the year, with rain being the most common form, peaking in probability in late May (as reported by WeatherSpark.com).

Summers are warm, with the season lasting from late May to mid-September, featuring daily high temperatures above 74°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 84°F and lows of 69°F. Winters are cold, with the season running from December to early March, and daily high temperatures below 42°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). January has the coldest temperatures, with average lows around 20°F and highs of 32°F.

Education and Schools

Stickney is served by Lyons School District No. 103, which includes Edison Elementary School and Home Elementary School. The district as a whole has received a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger, ranking 606 out of 811 school districts in Illinois (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). This indicates areas for potential improvement within the district’s educational offerings.

Edison Elementary School generally performs better than the district and state averages in English Language Arts and Mathematics proficiency (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). It holds a higher statewide ranking and a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger, while Home Elementary School has a 2-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). However, both schools face challenges such as high chronic absenteeism rates and a large percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

For high school education, students in Stickney typically attend schools within districts like Cicero District 99 or J. Sterling Morton High School District No. 201, which serve the broader area (as reported by Niche.com). The overall educational landscape in Stickney presents a mixed picture, with specific schools showing strengths while the district faces systemic challenges.