Everything You Need to Know About Riverdale, Illinois

Riverdale, Illinois is a small village located in Cook County, known for its rich history and unique community. While it may not be as well-known as some of the larger cities in the state, Riverdale has its own distinct character and offers a variety of opportunities for residents and visitors alike. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Riverdale, from its demographics and economy to its culture and lifestyle.

Overview of Riverdale, Illinois

Riverdale is a small village with a population of approximately 10,299 people as of 2024. The village is 100% urban, meaning that there is no rural area within its borders. This makes Riverdale a great place for those who prefer the convenience and amenities of city life without the hustle and bustle of a major metropolitan area.

Key Demographics

• Population: 10,299 (as of 2024)
• Population Change Since 2000: -31.6%
• Median Resident Age: 34.0 years
• Illinois Median Age: 39.5 years
• Zip Code: 60827

The population of Riverdale has seen a significant decline since 2000, which is reflected in the overall demographic changes in the village. Despite this, the median age of residents is slightly younger than the state average, indicating a relatively young population.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Riverdale’s population is diverse, with the following racial and ethnic breakdown:

• Black Alone: 85.9%
• Hispanic: 7.0%
• White Alone: 3.0%
• Two or More Races: 1.9%
• Other Race Alone: 0.3%
• Asian Alone: 0.1%

This data shows that Black residents make up the majority of the population, followed by Hispanic and White residents. The village also has a small percentage of residents from other races and ethnicities.

Economic Profile

• Estimated Median Household Income in 2023: $45,028
• Estimated Per Capita Income in 2023: $20,760
• Median House or Condo Value in 2023: $107,719
• Median Gross Rent in 2023: $1,208
• Cost of Living Index in December 2024: 99.1 (near average, U.S. average is 100)

Riverdale has a lower median household income compared to the state average, but it also has a lower cost of living index. This means that while residents may earn less on average, the cost of living is relatively affordable. The median house or condo value is also significantly below the state average, making homeownership more accessible for many residents.

Education and Employment

• Percentage of Population with a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 17.2%
• Unemployment Rate in November 2024: 5.1% (compared to 4.5% in Illinois)
• Most Common Industries: Health care & social assistance, transportation & warehousing, retail trade, manufacturing, and educational services
• Most Common Occupations: Other office and administrative support workers, material recording, scheduling, dispatching, and distributing workers, nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides, and driver/sales workers and truck drivers

Riverdale has a relatively educated workforce, with 17.2% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The unemployment rate is slightly higher than the state average, but the village has a diverse range of industries and occupations that provide employment opportunities for residents.

Crime and Safety

• City-Data.com Crime Index: 493.8 (U.S. average is 235.3)
• Murders per 100,000 Residents (2024): 7.0
• Rapes per 100,000 Residents (2024): 8.0
• Robberies per 100,000 Residents (2024): 13.0
• Assaults per 100,000 Residents (2024): 43.0
• Burglaries per 100,000 Residents (2024): 48.0
• Thefts per 100,000 Residents (2024): 147.0
• Auto Thefts per 100,000 Residents (2024): 64.0
• Arson per 100,000 Residents (2024): 1.0

While Riverdale has a crime rate that is higher than the national average, it is still considered a relatively safe place to live. The most common crimes are thefts and burglaries, which are typical in many urban areas. The village has a police force of 35 full-time law enforcement employees, including 27 officers, which helps to maintain public safety.

Transportation and Commuting

• Average Commute Time to Work: 33.1 minutes
• Most Common Means of Transportation: Drove car alone, carpooled, and public transportation
• Public Transportation Options: Bus, trolley bus, streetcar, and subway or elevated

Riverdale has a well-developed transportation system, with a mix of private and public transportation options available to residents. The average commute time is slightly longer than the national average, but this is expected given the urban setting.

Healthcare and Wellness

• Percentage of Residents with a High Blood Pressure: 32.3%
• Percentage of Residents with a High Cholesterol Level: 32.3%
• Percentage of Residents with Diabetes: 8.4%
• Percentage of Residents with Obesity: 37.2%
• Percentage of Residents with a Healthy Diet: 46.7%

Riverdale has a relatively high percentage of residents with chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. However, the percentage of residents with a healthy diet is slightly above the state average, indicating a growing awareness of health and wellness in the community.

Education and Schools

• School Enrollment: 50.3% of residents aged 15 and over have a high school diploma or higher
• Top Public Schools: Riverdale School (located at 325 W. 142nd Street)
• Private Schools: Queen of Apostles School (no longer in existence)

Riverdale has a strong education system, with several public schools serving the community. The village also has a public library that provides access to books, audio materials, and digital resources for residents of all ages.

Cultural and Recreational Opportunities

• Parks and Recreation: Riverdale Park, Franson Park, Prairie Park, Whistler Preserve, and Ivanhoe Park
• Cultural Attractions: Joe Louis ‘The Champ’ Golf Course, Riverdale Village Hall, and the Riverdale Public Library
• Religious Institutions: Enlightened Word Church, God Promise Church, Ivanhoe Reformed Church, and other local churches

Riverdale offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. From parks and golf courses to libraries and religious institutions, there is something for everyone in this vibrant village.

Conclusion

Riverdale, Illinois is a small but vibrant village with a rich history and a diverse community. While it may not be as well-known as some of the larger cities in the state, it offers a unique blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. With its low cost of living, strong education system, and diverse cultural offerings, Riverdale is a great place to live, work, and play.

Whether you’re a resident looking to learn more about your community or a visitor planning a trip, this guide has provided you with all the information you need to understand what makes Riverdale special. From its demographics and economy to its culture and lifestyle, Riverdale has much to offer, and it’s a place worth exploring.

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