Real Estate Investing in Highwood, Illinois (60040)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Lake County • Population: 5,243 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 60040 (Highwood, IL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (73/100)

Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (47/100)

A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.

⚠️ Risks to Know
CLEAN

No major risk flags on the data we track.

What’s happening in Highwood, IL (60040)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

3.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $498,238
Avg Monthly Rent $2,333
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $105,282
% Renters 49.7%

Market Analysis: 60040 Highwood

On balance, ZIP 60040 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $498K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.

Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 60040 records the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.

ZIP 60040's metrics run below Lake County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.

The demographic picture in 60040 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Highwood averages, and tenant stability requires active management.

The 60040 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Highwood:

C+ Average
Buy Confidence Score: 67/100
Affordability
10/25
Appreciation
25/25
Stability
9/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Moderate
Homes cost 4.7× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+11.0%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $2,333/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: Mixed signals in this market. Research specific properties carefully and be prepared to negotiate.
🏠

Property Strategy for 60040

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
2BR
4.8% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
4BR
+8.8% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
2BR
$167,428/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
2BR $334,856 $2,240 4.8% +7.2% $167,428
3BR $517,363 $2,880 4.0% +6.0% $172,454
4BR $796,567 $3,340 3.0% +8.8% $199,142

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$518K$461K$403K$346K$288K$231KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

Rent History (with trend line)

$2,386$2,296$2,206$2,115$2,025$1,935Dec 2025Apr 2026Jul 2026

📊 How Does 60040 Compare?

Metric 60040 Highwood Illinois
Home Value $498,238 $498,238 $279,761
5-Year CAGR 7.3% 7.3% 6.6%
Avg Rent $2,333 $2,333 -
Cap Rate 3.7% 3.7% -
💡 Why Invest in 60040? Click to expand

With a 3/5 investability rating, this ZIP shows solid fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

A healthy rental market with 50% renter-occupied households ensures tenant availability.

📊 See where this ZIP ranks in our Best-of lists →
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 60040 (Highwood, IL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
3.7%
Low
5yr Growth
+7.3%
Strong

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $498,238
Monthly Rent $2,333
Price-to-Rent 17.8:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 5.6%
Cap Rate 3.7%
5-Year IRR 11.0%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +11.0% ▲
3-Year CAGR +7.6% ▲
5-Year CAGR +7.3% ▲
10-Year CAGR +4.5% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 3.7%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.7%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.

Run an IRR Analysis →

⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
4.3%
Low risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+7.3%
Growing
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 60040

Population: 5,243

💰 Median Household Income
$105,282
This area
$105,282
State
$75,721
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
49.7%
This area
49.7%
State
22.2%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
4.7%
This area
4.7%
State
-3.3%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
39.6%
This area
39.6%
State
16.4%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
36.3 years
This area
36.3 years
State
32.6 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
4.3%
This area
4.3%
State
11.6%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 64.8%
Other/Mixed 31.6%
Hispanic/Latino 31.1%
Black/African American 2.5%
Asian 1.1%
👶 Under 18
24.9%
This area
24.9%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
16.1%
This area
16.1%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
11.7%
This area
11.7%
USA
11.5%

Crime & Safety

🚧

Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon

We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.

Expected: Q1 2025

🎓 Schools in 60040

A Avg School Grade
1 Schools
15.6:1 Avg Class Size
$32,904 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

A Very Good

Oak Terrace Elem School

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
👥
538 Students
👨‍🏫
15.6:1 Class Size
💰
$32,904 Per Student

Nearby Schools (5 more)

Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area

A+ Excellent

Edgewood Middle School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
📍 2031 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park
👥
659 Students
👨‍🏫
11.3:1 Class Size
💰
$32,904 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Northwood Middle School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
📍 945 North Ave, Highland Park
👥
532 Students
👨‍🏫
10.8:1 Class Size
💰
$32,904 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Sherwood Elem School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
📍 1900 Stratford Rd, Highland Park
👥
354 Students
👨‍🏫
9.5:1 Class Size
💰
$32,904 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Red Oak Elem School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
📍 530 Red Oak Ln, Highland Park
👥
205 Students
👨‍🏫
9.5:1 Class Size
💰
$32,904 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Indian Trail Elem School

📚 K – 05 Elementary
📍 2075 Saint Johns Ave, Highland Park
👥
491 Students
👨‍🏫
12.4:1 Class Size
💰
$32,904 Per Student
About Repit School Scores

Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.

We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:

  • Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
  • School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
  • Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
  • School Environment — Size, type, and structure

Scores are updated annually using federal education data.

🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities

8 Nearby
C+
Lake Forest College
1,818 students · 3.1 mi
D
Trinity International University-Illinois
852 students · 3.5 mi
D
Lake Forest Graduate School of Management
275 students · 4.8 mi
C
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
1,949 students · 6.9 mi
C
Worsham College of Mortuary Science
187 students · 7.1 mi
C
Empire Beauty School-Vernon Hills
57 students · 7.9 mi
C
Chicago Professional Center
92 students · 8.3 mi
D
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Libertyville
193 students · 8.4 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What monthly rent should investors expect in Highwood, IL?

Highwood, IL rentals go for roughly $2,333/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $498K acquisition costs.

What is the rental occupancy rate in Highwood, IL?

Rental vacancy in Highwood, IL is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.

What type of investing works in Highwood, IL?

In Highwood, IL the resilient play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $498K prices and $2,333/mo rents suits that approach.

Is Highwood, IL landlord-friendly?

Landlord-friendliness in Highwood, IL is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.

Is housing expensive in Highwood, IL?

Expect median prices around $498K in Highwood, IL. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been stable.

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How 60040 ranks in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI

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