Cornelius 72 Excellent
Cornelius Livability #94 ranked city in North Carolina#6,171 ranked city in the USARanks better than 78% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Cornelius

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Cornelius?

Cornelius, North Carolina is a mid-sized city with a population of 30,849 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (86% White). Given that fact, Cornelius could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Cornelius is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 28 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Cornelius is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in North Carolina, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Cornelius and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, education and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Cornelius has received a livability score of 72/100. This score is ranked in the 81st percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Cornelius ranks very well for crime (A+), education (B+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Cornelius does not fare well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Cornelius, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 104 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

The Cornelius unemployment rate of 2.5% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Cornelius apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Cornelius is real estate affordability. The median home price for Cornelius homes is $635,702, which is 119.6% higher than the North Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Cornelius, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 14.6% higher than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Cornelius

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Compare Cornelius, NC Livability

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      Cornelius transportation information

      Statistic Cornelius North Carolina National
      Average one way commute28min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.0%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.5%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.4%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.6%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home17.9%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Cornelius, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.