Cost of Living in Palos Park, IL

Population 4,832 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

154
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

With a median age of 61, Palos Park functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $470,000 for a typical home — anchor most household budgets, and the state's treatment of pension income tends to matter more than wage-driven tax comparisons.

Located 14 miles southwest of Chicago, Palos Park falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 49% higher than Chicago's $315,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 154

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

About the Cost of Living in Palos Park

The median home value in Palos Park is $469,900 — 54% above the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $126,263/year is 69% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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, Palos Park has a cost of living index of 154 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$469,900
54% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$513,372
Zillow ZHVI
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 90.0%
Renter-occupied 10.0%

🛒 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
32.7 min
21% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
29.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
61.5%
Carpooled
4.8%
Public transit
2.3%
Walked
0.5%
Work from home
29.9%

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
$126,263
69% above avg
Per Capita Income
$83,954
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
1% above avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
Labor Force Participation
50.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.6%
Graduate degree 27.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 60.6
Male median age 59.9
Female median age 60.7

💨 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 Palos Park, IL?

Palos Park has a cost index of 154 (100 = national average). It is 54% above the national average.

What is the average home price in Palos Park?

The median home value in Palos Park is $469,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Palos Park?

The median household income in Palos Park is $126,263 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Palos Park, IL?

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

Is Palos Park, IL affordable?

Palos Park is above average in cost of living, with an index of 154 — about 54% higher than the national average.