Elmhurst, a vibrant suburb situated approximately 20 miles west of downtown Chicago, is home to a population of 45,786 residents. Ranked as the 19th best suburb in Illinois, Elmhurst presents an attractive option for prospective homeowners. As you weigh the decision to relocate to this area, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that define the Elmhurst community.
1. Diversity
Elmhurst presents a varied cultural landscape but remains predominantly homogenous. Of its 45,786 residents, 80.47% identify as White, 9.32% as Hispanic/Latino, 6.51% as Asian, 2.14% as African American, and 0.26% as Native American. The remaining 2.92% are classified under other, or multiple, racial categories. If a diverse community is a priority for you, Elmhurst may not fully meet your expectations.
2. Transportation
Convenient transportation is a notable feature of Elmhurst. The downtown area contains a Metra Union Pacific/West Line train station, offering direct routes to downtown Chicago. The O’Hare International Airport is approximately 10 miles away, which translates to about a 20-minute drive. Although many residents use cars as their primary mode of transportation, Elmhurst’s downtown area and most side streets are generally pedestrian-friendly.
3. Schools
Elmhurst is renowned for its excellent education programs. York Community High School ranks as the 33rd best public high school in Illinois, with SAT scores exceeding both state and national averages. The local middle schools—Sandburg, Churchville, and Bryan—also receive high marks, with Sandburg positioned as the 60th best public middle school in Illinois, Bryan as the 93rd, and Churchville as the 247th. Families moving to Elmhurst can be assured of access to a high-quality education.
4. Safety
Elmhurst is regarded as a very safe community. According to NeighborhoodScout, it is safer than 86% of U.S. cities. The violent crime rate stands at 0.57 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 4 per 1,000. The probability of becoming a victim of violent crime in Elmhurst is 1 in 1,741, compared to 1 in 348 in Illinois overall. Property crime rates are also favorable, with a 1 in 423 chance of being a victim in Elmhurst, versus 1 in 59 in Illinois.
5. Cost of Living
Elmhurst is known for its high cost of living. Approximately 80% of residents own their homes, with the median home price at $1,046,185. The cost of living in Elmhurst is 33% higher than the national average, according to Payscale, and Data USA reports that the average household income in Elmhurst was $143,492 in 2022. Those with incomes below this level may find it challenging to afford the area.
Key Takeaway
Elmhurst stands out as a desirable suburb for many, offering high-quality education, safety, and convenient transportation. Prospective residents should weigh these factors against their personal priorities to determine if Elmhurst aligns with their expectations and lifestyle goals.
Elmhurst Daily 