Cost of Living in South Chicago Heights, IL
Population 3,934 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives South Chicago Heights a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $136,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 25 miles south of Chicago, South Chicago Heights falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 57% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Chicago Heights
The median home value in South Chicago Heights is $136,000 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,105/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,250/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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, South Chicago Heights has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
South Chicago Heights has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 South Chicago Heights, IL?
South Chicago Heights has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in South Chicago Heights, IL?
The median gross rent in South Chicago Heights is $1,105 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Chicago Heights?
The median home value in South Chicago Heights is $136,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South Chicago Heights?
The median household income in South Chicago Heights is $56,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Chicago Heights, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Chicago Heights is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is South Chicago Heights, IL affordable?
Yes, South Chicago Heights is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
South Chicago Heights at a Glance
- Population
- 3,934
- Median Income
- $56,250
- Home Value
- $136,000
- Median Rent
- $1,105/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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