Family Life in Illinois: Schools, Safety, and Cost

Raising a family in Illinois offers remarkable options, from world-class educational opportunities to safe communities with strong family values. This guide helps parents navigate the decisions that matter most, informed by insights from Illinois Community members who are raising their own families here.

Understanding Illinois Schools

School System Structure

Illinois has over 850 school districts—more than any other state. This decentralization creates both excellent schools and significant disparities. Property taxes fund local schools, so district quality often correlates with local wealth.

Key Factors in School Quality:

• Per-pupil spending (ranges from $8,000 to $30,000+)

• Teacher qualifications and retention

• Student-teacher ratios

• Graduation rates and college readiness

• Special programs and extracurriculars

Top-Rated Public School Districts

Suburban Chicago:

• Stevenson High School (District 125): Consistently ranked #1-2 in Illinois

• Naperville Districts 203 & 204: Excellent K-12, strong academics and athletics

• Hinsdale Township High School District 86: Elite academics, competitive college placement

• Glenbrook Districts 225: New Trier South and Glenbrook North excel

• New Trier Township High School District 203: Among the best nationally

Downstate:

• Champaign Unit 4: Strong, diverse, University Lab School option

• Normal Community High School: Solid academics, good value

• Springfield District 186: Improving, magnet school options

School Ratings Resources

• Illinois Report Card (illinoisreportcard.com): Official state data

• GreatSchools.org: Parent reviews and ratings

• Niche.com: Comprehensive rankings and reviews

• U.S. News Best High Schools: National comparisons

Private School Options

Illinois has strong private school options, particularly in the Chicago area:

Catholic Schools: Archdiocese of Chicago operates 175+ schools Independent Schools: Latin School, Francis Parker, University of Chicago Lab Downstate Options: More limited but include excellent Catholic and independent schools

Average private school tuition: $12,000-35,000 annually

Homeschooling in Illinois

Illinois has some of the most permissive homeschooling laws in the nation:

• No registration required

• No curriculum approval needed

• Parent determines instruction

• Active homeschool co-ops and communities statewide

Safety Across Illinois

Safest Communities

Based on FBI crime data and state statistics, these communities consistently rank as Illinois' safest:

Safest Small Towns:

1. Palos Park

2. Burr Ridge

3. Wilmette

4. Hinsdale

5. Glencoe

Safest Mid-Size Cities:

1. Naperville

2. Buffalo Grove

3. Schaumburg

4. Wheaton

5. Lake Forest

Safety Considerations:

• Violent crime rates vary dramatically by neighborhood

• Suburban communities generally safer than urban cores

• School safety measures are strong statewide

• Community policing programs in many areas

Understanding Crime Statistics

When evaluating safety:

• Look at trends, not just current numbers

• Consider property crime separately from violent crime

• Examine specific neighborhoods, not just city averages

• Talk to current residents for ground-truth perspective

Cost of Raising Children in Illinois

Education Costs

Public School (Hidden Costs):

• Registration fees: $100-500/year

• Sports and activities: $100-500 per activity

• Technology fees: $50-200/year

• School supplies: $100-300/year

Childcare (Full-Time):

• Infant care: $1,200-2,500/month

• Toddler care: $1,000-2,000/month

• Preschool: $800-1,800/month

After-School Care:

• Park district programs: $50-150/week

• Private programs: $100-300/week

Activities and Extracurriculars

Youth Sports (Per Season):

• Park district: $75-200

• Travel/club sports: $500-3,000

• Equipment varies widely

Music and Arts:

• Private lessons: $30-80/hour

• Park district classes: $50-150/session

• School band/orchestra: $100-500/year (instrument rental)

College Savings

Illinois offers the Bright Start 529 plan with state tax deduction. Key considerations:

• State school tuition: ~$15,000/year (University of Illinois)

• Out-of-state/private: $40,000-70,000/year

• Start saving early—compound growth matters

Best Communities for Families

For Top Schools + Walkability

• Hinsdale: Excellent schools, charming downtown, Metra access

• Naperville: Top schools, extensive parks, active community

• Evanston: Urban energy, diverse, excellent schools

For Diversity + Value

• Skokie: Highly diverse, good schools, affordable for area

• Aurora: Growing diversity, improving schools, best value

• Champaign-Urbana: University diversity, cultural offerings, affordable

For Outdoor Families

• Geneva: Fox River access, great parks, good schools

• McHenry County: Rural feel, outdoor recreation, growing communities

• Lake County: Forest preserves, lakefront, excellent schools

For Budget-Conscious Families

• Plainfield: Newer housing, good schools, affordable entry point

• Bloomington-Normal: Affordable, safe, good schools

• Rockford suburbs: Very affordable, improving options

Practical Family Resources

Healthcare

• Illinois All Kids: Healthcare coverage for uninsured children

• Strong pediatric networks at all major health systems

• Children's hospitals: Lurie (Chicago), OSF Children's (Peoria)

Family Activities

• Museum free days throughout the year

• Forest preserves with free programming

• Park district programs (remarkably affordable and comprehensive)

• Library systems with extensive children's programming

Support Networks

• Parent groups through schools and park districts

• Facebook groups like Illinois Community

• MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) chapters

• La Leche League for breastfeeding support

Making Your Family Decision

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Community

1. Schools: What are test scores, but also culture and fit?

2. Safety: What do current residents say about their neighborhood?

3. Commute: Can both parents manage work and family logistics?

4. Activities: Are there programs your children will enjoy?

5. Community: Do you see families like yours?

6. Budget: Can you afford property taxes and other costs long-term?

Visiting Tips

• Drive through neighborhoods at different times

• Visit schools and ask to observe classes

• Talk to parents at playgrounds and parks

• Attend a local event or festival

• Check the park district programming guide

The Bottom Line

Illinois offers exceptional opportunities for families, but the right community depends on your priorities. Whether you value top-tier academics, diversity, outdoor access, or affordability, there's a place for your family here.

Use this guide as a starting point, then connect with Illinois Community members raising kids in areas you're considering. Nothing beats local, honest perspective from parents who've made the same decisions you're facing.