Cost of Living in Harvey, IL

Population 19,831 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

46
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Harvey's median household income of $41,091 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (25% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 12.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 15 miles south of Chicago, Harvey falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 73% lower than Chicago's $315,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 28
Rent 74

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Harvey

The median home value in Harvey is $86,100 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $968/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,091/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.9%, 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, Harvey has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$86,100
72% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$102,710
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$968/mo
26% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
7.4x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$651
1 BR
$741
2 BR
$899
3 BR
$1,196
4 BR
$1,364
Owner-occupied 55.3%
Renter-occupied 44.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$968
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,582/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
32.6 min
21% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.4%
Carpooled
13.0%
Public transit
9.4%
Walked
0.9%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
4.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$41,091
45% below avg
Per Capita Income
$22,859
Unemployment Rate
12.9%
168% above avg
Poverty Rate
25.2%
Labor Force Participation
58.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.7%
Graduate degree 2.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.8
Male median age 36.8
Female median age 36.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 57 — Moderate
28.5%
Good air days/yr
223
Max AQI recorded
252
PM2.5 days
97
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Harvey, IL?

Harvey has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.

What is average rent in Harvey, IL?

The median gross rent in Harvey is $968 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Harvey?

The median home value in Harvey is $86,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Harvey?

The median household income in Harvey is $41,091 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Harvey, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Harvey is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Harvey, IL affordable?

Yes, Harvey is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.

Harvey at a Glance

Population
19,831
Median Income
$41,091
Home Value
$86,100
Median Rent
$968/mo
Unemployment
12.9%
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in Illinois →
🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

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