Cost of Living in Bellwood, IL
Population 18,373 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Bellwood stay well under national norms: a median home value of $220,000 against median household incomes of $76,990 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Illinois. At 7.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Bellwood sits roughly 10 miles west of Chicago. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bellwood
The median home value in Bellwood is $219,600 — 28% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,221/month, 7% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,990/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Bellwood has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bellwood, IL?
Bellwood has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bellwood, IL?
The median gross rent in Bellwood is $1,221 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bellwood?
The median home value in Bellwood is $219,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bellwood?
The median household income in Bellwood is $76,990 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bellwood, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bellwood is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Bellwood, IL affordable?
Yes, Bellwood is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.
Bellwood at a Glance
- Population
- 18,373
- Median Income
- $76,990
- Home Value
- $219,600
- Median Rent
- $1,221/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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Illinois Rankings
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