When looking for a place to raise a family in Illinois, several factors come into play that can significantly impact your quality of life. Our comprehensive analysis examines six key criteria that families consider most important: Overall Family Friendly Score, First Time Home Buyers Index, Quiet Index, Walkability, Car Friendly Score, and Transit-Friendly Score. The Overall Family Friendly Score encompasses numerous factors including school quality, crime rates, amenities for children, community engagement, and more.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Illinois’s least family-friendly towns. Each criterion is measured on a scale of 1-100, with higher scores indicating better performance in that category.
Here’s the list.
25. Robbins
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 26.61
- First Time Home Buyers: 30.27
- Quiet Index: 24.92
- Walkability: 66.65
- Car Friendly: 59.11
- Transit-Friendly: 83.34
Robbins scores poorly overall for families at 26.61, though it does offer decent public transportation options with a transit-friendly score of 83.34. The town’s walkability score of 66.65 is moderate, but its quiet index of only 24.92 indicates noise concerns that may disturb family life. First-time homebuyers have limited options with a score of just 30.27, and car owners face challenges with a below-average car-friendly score of 59.11. Median home price data is not available for this community.
24. Danville
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 25.87
- First Time Home Buyers: 14.54
- Quiet Index: 53.85
- Walkability: 58.53
- Car Friendly: 78.23
- Transit-Friendly: 15.62
Danville ranks 24th worst for families with an overall score of 25.87. While the town offers decent conditions for car owners (78.23), it performs poorly for first-time homebuyers with a score of just 14.54. The community has average noise levels (53.85) and moderate walkability (58.53), but public transportation is severely lacking with a transit-friendly score of only 15.62. This combination of factors makes Danville challenging for families, especially those without personal vehicles. Median home price information is not available.
23. DeKalb
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 25.21
- First Time Home Buyers: 28.98
- Quiet Index: 38.01
- Walkability: 59.12
- Car Friendly: 78.61
- Transit-Friendly: 22.73
DeKalb presents challenges for families with its overall score of 25.21. The town is relatively car-friendly (78.61) but has limited public transportation options (22.73). First-time homebuyers face obstacles with a score of 28.98, and the quiet index of 38.01 suggests noise levels that may be problematic for families seeking peaceful neighborhoods. Walkability is average at 59.12, making some amenities accessible on foot. The median home price data is not available for DeKalb.
22. Dixmoor
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 25.09
- First Time Home Buyers: 67.66
- Quiet Index: 39.65
- Walkability: 59.78
- Car Friendly: 78.53
- Transit-Friendly: 76
Dixmoor ranks 22nd worst for families with an overall score of 25.09. Despite its poor family-friendly rating, the town offers some positives including relatively good opportunities for first-time homebuyers (67.66) and decent public transportation options (76). The town is also car-friendly (78.53) with average walkability (59.78). However, noise concerns persist with a quiet index of just 39.65, which may impact family comfort. Median home price information is not available for this community.
21. Cairo
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 24.88
- First Time Home Buyers: 6.65
- Quiet Index: 86.68
- Walkability: 40.05
- Car Friendly: 90.57
- Transit-Friendly: 13.8
Cairo has significant challenges for families with an overall score of 24.88. The town performs extremely poorly for first-time homebuyers with a score of just 6.65, and public transportation options are limited (13.8). However, Cairo does excel in two areas: it’s very quiet (86.68) and extremely car-friendly (90.57). Unfortunately, walkability is poor (40.05), requiring residents to drive to most destinations. Median home price data is not available for this community.
20. Burnham
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 24.69
- First Time Home Buyers: 14.29
- Quiet Index: 37.21
- Walkability: 59.91
- Car Friendly: 70.68
- Transit-Friendly: 86.94
Burnham ranks as the 20th worst town for families in Illinois with a score of 24.69. The town has excellent public transportation options (86.94) and decent car accessibility (70.68), but first-time homebuyers face significant challenges (14.29). The quiet index is low at 37.21, indicating noise issues that may disrupt family life. Walkability is average at 59.91. Despite some transportation advantages, the overall environment remains challenging for families. Median home price information is not available.
19. Alorton
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 23.78
- First Time Home Buyers: 16.93
- Quiet Index: 59.21
- Walkability: 29.21
- Car Friendly: 66.67
- Transit-Friendly: 82.66
Alorton presents a mixed picture with an overall family-friendly score of 23.78. The town has good public transit options (82.66) and average noise levels (59.21), but extremely poor walkability (29.21). First-time homebuyers face significant obstacles with a score of just 16.93, while car owners encounter moderate conditions (66.67). The combination of these factors makes Alorton challenging for families, particularly those who prefer walking to destinations. Median home price data is not available for this community.
18. West Peoria
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 23.55
- First Time Home Buyers: 7.58
- Quiet Index: 47.46
- Walkability: 81.29
- Car Friendly: 92.64
- Transit-Friendly: 37.84
West Peoria ranks 18th worst for families with an overall score of 23.55. The town excels in car-friendliness (92.64) and walkability (81.29), providing good transportation options for residents. However, first-time homebuyers face serious challenges with a very low score of 7.58. The quiet index is below average at 47.46, and public transportation options are limited (37.84). Despite some positives in accessibility, these factors combine to create a difficult environment for families. Median home price information is not available.
17. Rosemont
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 22.63
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 45.73
- Walkability: 37.61
- Car Friendly: 78.44
- Transit-Friendly: 95.15
Rosemont presents a complex picture for families with an overall score of 22.63. The town has excellent public transportation (95.15) and good conditions for car owners (78.44). However, walkability is poor (37.61) and noise levels are concerning with a quiet index of 45.73. Data for first-time homebuyers is not available, suggesting limited housing market information. Despite strong transportation options, other factors contribute to Rosemont’s low ranking for families. Median home price information is not available for this community.
16. East St. Louis
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 22.42
- First Time Home Buyers: 10.97
- Quiet Index: 64
- Walkability: 63.9
- Car Friendly: 69.54
- Transit-Friendly: 60.77
East St. Louis ranks 16th worst for families with an overall score of 22.42. The town provides a relatively peaceful environment with a good quiet index (64) and has decent scores for walkability (63.9), car-friendliness (69.54), and public transit (60.77). However, first-time homebuyers face significant obstacles with a very low score of 10.97. Despite some balanced transportation options and noise levels, the overall environment remains challenging for families. Median home price data is not available for this community.
15. Chicago
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 21.9
- First Time Home Buyers: 10.54
- Quiet Index: 17.98
- Walkability: 93.01
- Car Friendly: 48.73
- Transit-Friendly: 86.86
Chicago, despite being Illinois’ largest city, ranks 15th worst for families with a score of 21.9. The city excels in walkability (93.01) and public transportation (86.86), making it easy to get around without a car. However, it performs poorly for car owners (48.73) and has serious noise concerns with an extremely low quiet index of 17.98. First-time homebuyers face significant challenges (10.54), likely due to high costs. These factors combine to create a difficult environment for families despite the city’s amenities. Median home price information is not available in this dataset.
14. Calumet Park
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 21.36
- First Time Home Buyers: 71.07
- Quiet Index: 15.83
- Walkability: 80.99
- Car Friendly: 64.13
- Transit-Friendly: 91.28
Calumet Park ranks 14th worst for families with an overall score of 21.36. The town offers excellent opportunities for first-time homebuyers (71.07) and has outstanding public transportation (91.28) and walkability (80.99). However, noise is a major concern with an extremely low quiet index of 15.83, and conditions for car owners are just above average (64.13). Despite strong scores in accessibility and affordability, the noise levels significantly impact the town’s suitability for families. Median home price data is not available for this community.
13. Centreville
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 20
- First Time Home Buyers: 8.47
- Quiet Index: 50.82
- Walkability: 50.25
- Car Friendly: 68.59
- Transit-Friendly: 39.36
Centreville ranks 13th worst for families with an even score of 20. The town presents average metrics in several categories, including quiet index (50.82) and walkability (50.25), with slightly better conditions for car owners (68.59). However, first-time homebuyers face extreme challenges with a score of just 8.47, and public transportation options are limited (39.36). This combination creates a difficult environment for families, particularly those looking to purchase their first home. Median home price information is not available for this community.
12. East Dundee
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 19.37
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 66.97
- Walkability: 58.29
- Car Friendly: 84.29
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
East Dundee ranks 12th worst for families with an overall score of 19.37. The town offers good conditions for car owners (84.29) and has above-average noise levels (66.97), suggesting a relatively peaceful environment. Walkability is average at 58.29. However, data for first-time homebuyers and public transportation is not available, indicating potential gaps in these important family considerations. Despite some positive aspects, East Dundee’s overall environment remains challenging for families. Median home price information is not available for this community.
11. Rantoul
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 19.34
- First Time Home Buyers: 9.69
- Quiet Index: 60.58
- Walkability: 45.21
- Car Friendly: 75.38
- Transit-Friendly: 19.95
Rantoul ranks 11th worst for families with an overall score of 19.34. The town offers relatively peaceful neighborhoods with a decent quiet index (60.58) and good conditions for car owners (75.38). However, first-time homebuyers face serious challenges (9.69), walkability is below average (45.21), and public transportation options are very limited (19.95). These transportation and affordability challenges significantly impact Rantoul’s appeal to families despite its relatively quiet environment. Median home price information is not available for this community.
10. Jerome
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 18.74
- First Time Home Buyers: 16.84
- Quiet Index: 35.6
- Walkability: 79.11
- Car Friendly: 74.53
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Jerome ranks 10th worst for families with an overall score of 18.74. The town has excellent walkability (79.11) and good conditions for car owners (74.53), making it accessible for residents. However, first-time homebuyers face obstacles with a low score of 16.84, and noise is a concern with a quiet index of just 35.6. Public transportation data is not available, suggesting limited options in this area. These factors combine to create a challenging environment for families despite good accessibility on foot and by car. Median home price information is not available for this community.
9. Harvey
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 17.95
- First Time Home Buyers: 65.89
- Quiet Index: 30.69
- Walkability: 75.99
- Car Friendly: 71.04
- Transit-Friendly: 72.97
Harvey ranks 9th worst for families with an overall score of 17.95. Despite this low ranking, the town offers good opportunities for first-time homebuyers (65.89) and has strong transportation options with good walkability (75.99), car-friendliness (71.04), and public transit access (72.97). However, noise is a significant concern with a low quiet index of 30.69. This noise factor, combined with other unmeasured aspects of family life, contributes to Harvey’s low overall ranking despite its accessibility and affordability. Median home price information is not available for this community.
8. Silvis
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 17.79
- First Time Home Buyers: 8.89
- Quiet Index: 50.36
- Walkability: 67.32
- Car Friendly: 91.62
- Transit-Friendly: 20.2
Silvis ranks 8th worst for families with an overall score of 17.79. The town excels in car-friendliness (91.62) and offers decent walkability (67.32) with average noise levels (50.36). However, first-time homebuyers face extreme challenges with a score of just 8.89, and public transportation options are very limited (20.2). Despite some positives in accessibility by car and on foot, the affordability and public transit limitations create significant obstacles for families. Median home price information is not available for this community.
7. Carbondale
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 17.54
- First Time Home Buyers: 3.91
- Quiet Index: 46.81
- Walkability: 37.78
- Car Friendly: 68.35
- Transit-Friendly: 27.97
Carbondale ranks 7th worst for families with an overall score of 17.54. The town presents significant challenges across multiple areas, with extremely poor opportunities for first-time homebuyers (3.91), below-average walkability (37.78), and limited public transportation (27.97). While conditions for car owners are moderate (68.35) and noise levels are average (46.81), these factors aren’t enough to overcome the other obstacles families face in Carbondale. Median home price information is not available for this community.
6. Riverdale
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 16.6
- First Time Home Buyers: 47.92
- Quiet Index: 19.34
- Walkability: 76.48
- Car Friendly: 68.45
- Transit-Friendly: 84.58
Riverdale ranks 6th worst for families with a low overall score of 16.6. The town offers moderate opportunities for first-time homebuyers (47.92) and excellent transportation options with good walkability (76.48), decent car access (68.45), and excellent public transit (84.58). However, noise is a major concern with a very low quiet index of 19.34. This significant noise issue, combined with other unmeasured factors affecting family life, contributes to Riverdale’s poor ranking despite its transportation advantages. Median home price information is not available for this community.
5. Forest Park
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 15.9
- First Time Home Buyers: 33.48
- Quiet Index: 33.97
- Walkability: 87.68
- Car Friendly: 54.44
- Transit-Friendly: 89.78
Forest Park ranks 5th worst for families with a low overall score of 15.9. The town excels in walkability (87.68) and public transportation (89.78), making it easy to get around without a car. However, it presents below-average conditions for car owners (54.44), limited opportunities for first-time homebuyers (33.48), and significant noise concerns (33.97). These factors, particularly the noise and affordability issues, contribute to Forest Park’s poor ranking for families despite its excellent transportation options. Median home price information is not available for this community.
4. Madison
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 15.33
- First Time Home Buyers: 31.1
- Quiet Index: 46.29
- Walkability: 73.3
- Car Friendly: 91.08
- Transit-Friendly: 23.49
Madison ranks 4th worst for families with a very low overall score of 15.33. The town offers excellent conditions for car owners (91.08) and good walkability (73.3), but first-time homebuyers face significant challenges (31.1). Noise levels are below average with a quiet index of 46.29, and public transportation options are limited (23.49). Despite some positives in accessibility by car and on foot, Madison presents a challenging environment for families. Median home price information is not available for this community.
3. Urbana
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 14.46
- First Time Home Buyers: 21.72
- Quiet Index: 41.69
- Walkability: 57.22
- Car Friendly: 51.12
- Transit-Friendly: 63.67
Urbana ranks 3rd worst for families with a poor overall score of 14.46. The town has moderate public transportation options (63.67) and average walkability (57.22), but presents below-average conditions for car owners (51.12). First-time homebuyers face significant obstacles (21.72), and noise is a concern with a quiet index of just 41.69. This combination of factors creates a challenging environment for families across multiple dimensions. Median home price information is not available for this community.
2. Venice
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 10.6
- First Time Home Buyers: 25.7
- Quiet Index: 64.87
- Walkability: 51
- Car Friendly: 82.56
- Transit-Friendly: 60.86
Venice ranks as the 2nd worst town for families in Illinois with a very low overall score of 10.6. Despite this poor ranking, the town offers some positive attributes including good conditions for car owners (82.56), above-average quiet levels (64.87), and decent public transportation (60.86). However, walkability is average (51) and first-time homebuyers face significant challenges (25.7). Other unmeasured factors affecting family quality of life likely contribute to Venice’s poor overall ranking. Median home price information is not available for this community.
1. Brooklyn
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 3.49
- First Time Home Buyers: 12.78
- Quiet Index: 71.81
- Walkability: 38.3
- Car Friendly: 54.97
- Transit-Friendly: 78.86
Brooklyn ranks as the absolute worst town for families in Illinois with an extremely low overall score of just 3.49. Surprisingly, the town offers excellent quiet levels (71.81) and good public transportation options (78.86). However, it performs poorly in other areas with limited opportunities for first-time homebuyers (12.78), below-average walkability (38.3), and average conditions for car owners (54.97). These factors, combined with other unmeasured aspects of family life, contribute to Brooklyn’s position at the bottom of our rankings. Median home price information is not available for this community.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Family Friendly Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a town’s suitability for families, incorporating factors such as school quality, safety, parks and recreation, community resources, healthcare access, and overall quality of life for households with children.
- First Time Home Buyers: Measures how accessible and affordable the housing market is for new homeowners, considering factors like entry-level home prices, mortgage availability, property tax rates, and housing inventory suitable for beginning families.
- Quiet Index: Evaluates noise pollution levels throughout the town, recognizing that peaceful environments are crucial for family wellbeing, child development, and overall quality of life.
- Walkability: Assesses how easily residents can access essential services, schools, parks, and amenities on foot, which is particularly important for families seeking active lifestyles and convenient access to daily needs without requiring a vehicle.
- Car Friendly: Measures how well a town accommodates personal vehicles, including factors like parking availability, traffic congestion, road maintenance, and commute times—important considerations for families who rely on cars for work, school, and activities.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates the quality, reliability, and coverage of public transportation options, which can significantly impact a family’s mobility, access to opportunities, and overall transportation costs.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
