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Moving to Chicago, IL

A Complete Guide to The City

Places

Should you move to Chicago, IL?

Chicago, IL is home to 2,742,119 residents, ranking it #3 in Illinois by size. The City has a poverty rate of 41% and a median household income of $65,781. Overall, Chicago received an economic health grade of:

Homes in Chicago, IL are commonly 50+ unit Multi-Family, 2 Bedrooms, and built in 1951. 40.5% of homes are owner occupied.

To understand Chicago, it’s also essential to research Illinois and Cook County, then focus in on the zip codes and schools that make up the neighborhoods you like. So be sure to browse around, there’s a lot of Illinois to explore.

Place Type

City

County

Cook County

Land Size

227.73 sq mi

Water Area

6.80 sq mi

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How Does Chicago Rank?

B+

Economy

C-

Home Affordability

A+

Diversity

Learn about rankings & data

Who Lives in Chicago?

Discover more about the people who make up the City

Total Population

2,742,119

10-Year Change

1.5%

Total Households

1,112,581

Persons Per Households

2.5

A+

Diversity Grade

White alone

45.3%

Black or African American alone

29.2%

American Indian and Alaska Native alone

0.5%

Asian alone

6.8%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone

Hispanic or Latino

28.7%

Men vs. Women

Female 51.2%

Male 48.8%

Under 5 years

Under 18 years

Over 65 years

12.8%

Start Organizing Your Move Today

Stay on top of tasks and avoid moving-day chaos. Download your moving checklist and box inventory list.

Housing in Chicago

Buying or renting? Here’s more about real estate in the area

Total Households

Own vs. Rent

Own 40.5%

Rent 48%

Connect with a local Chicago REALTOR庐

Buying or selling? We’ll help you connect with the right real estate agents in Chicago or anywhere you need help.

Typical Age of Homes

1951

Common Residence Type

Moving advice

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Illinois driver's license and registration guide for new residents

Chicago Schools

Explore the school district and schools

A+

Jones College Prep High School

A+

Young Magnet High School

A+

Keller Elem Gifted Magnet School

A+

Payton College Preparatory Hs

A+

Lane Technical High School

A+

Northside College Preparatory Hs

A

Edison Elem Regional Gifted Cntr

A

Decatur Classical Elem School

F

Sullivan Elem School

F

Tilden Career Communty Academy Hs

F

Lara Elem Academy

F

Saucedo Elem Scholastic Academy

C+

New Field Elem School

F

Air Force Acad High School

NR

Little Black Pearl Arts Acad Hs

F

Aspira Charter - Business And Finance Hs

A.S.B. Educational Institute

Abc Academy

Academy Of St Benedict The African

Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School

All Aboard Learning Express

All Day Montessori

Alphonsus Academy & Center For The Arts

Altus Academy

F

Academy For Global Citizenship

NR

Acero Chtr Sch Network - Jovita Idar

NR

Acero Chtr Sch Network - Major Hector P Garcia Md Campus

NR

Acero Chtr Sch Network - Bartolome De Las Casas

NR

Acero Chtr Sch Network - Brighton Park Campus

NR

Acero Chtr Sch Network - Carlos Fuentes Campus

NR

Acero Chtr Sch Network - Esmeralda Santiago Campus

NR

Acero Chtr Sch Network - Octavio Paz Campus

Student-Teacher Ratio

City Of Chicago299 School District

The City Of Chicago299 School District in Cook County, IL, is home to 329,836 students across 646 schools. Based on enrollment numbers, City Of Chicago Sd 299 ranks #1 in Illinois. Grades from Pre-K to 12 are offered in the district.

City Of Chicago299 School District received a student-teacher ratio grade of A, averaging 14.47 students per teacher.

Learn more about the City Of Chicago299 School District and explore its schools.

District Schools

646

Student Enrollments

329,836

Student-Teacher Ratio

14.47:1

How does City Of Chicago299 School District compare?

Cost of Living in Illinois

How Does Illinois Compare?

in Cost of Living

in Minimum Wage

in Living Wage

Illinois State Taxes

Don't forget!

Auto insurance premiums range from city to neighborhood. Receive personalized quotes from top insurers in 5 minutes or less through Insurify.

Renter’s insurance protects you, your guests, and your things. Lemonade offers renters insurance plans for as low as $5 per month.

Should you move to Illinois?

Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, boasts a diverse economy, rich cultural experiences, and plenty of outdoor adventure. From the bustling metropolis of Chicago to the rolling plains of the south, Illinois offers a range of lifestyles to suit varied tastes.

Illinois’s economy is a powerhouse, with Chicago serving as a key hub for finance, technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. The state is home to a multitude of Fortune 500 companies, including Boeing, Abbott Laboratories, and Caterpillar.

Life in Illinois presents a blend of urban excitement and rural charm. The city of Chicago offers world-class dining, shopping, entertainment, and cultural institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum. Outside the city, residents can enjoy activities like hiking in Starved Rock State Park or exploring the wine trail in Southern Illinois.

Illinois also prioritizes education, with top-rated universities like the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois system.

If you’re seeking a state that offers a balance of urban and rural life, a strong economy, and a commitment to quality education, Illinois might be the perfect choice. Just remember to bundle up for those windy city winters!

Need some help with your move?

Moving labor can be hired by the hour, helping you budget for the heavy stuff or your entire move.

Chicago Economy

The industries, jobs, and economics of the area

Median Household Income

$65,781

US Average $74,580

Per Capita Income

How does Chicago compare?

Primary Occupations

Secondary Occupations

Explore More Places

Check out more of Chicago, or explore the surrounding area

60601 Chicago, IL

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60603 Chicago, IL

60604 Chicago, IL

60605 Chicago, IL

60606 Chicago, IL

60607 Chicago, IL

60608 Chicago, IL

60609 Chicago, IL

60610 Chicago, IL

60611 Chicago, IL

60612 Chicago, IL

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Austin

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Avondale

Illinois

Crawford County

Illinois

Edgar County

Illinois

LaSalle County

Illinois

Williamson County

Illinois

Kankakee County

Illinois

McLean County

Illinois

Woodford County

Illinois

Marion County

Illinois

Saline County

Illinois

Christian County

Illinois

Schuyler County

Illinois

Perry County

Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin

Chicago-Naperville-Elgin

Illinois, Missouri

St. Louis

Illinois

Peoria

Illinois, Iowa

Davenport-Moline-Rock Island

Illinois

Rockford

Illinois

Champaign-Urbana

Illinois

Springfield

Illinois

Bloomington

Illinois

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Decatur

Illinois, Missouri

Cape Girardeau

Illinois

Chicago

Review Chicago, IL

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