
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Located in the state of Illinois, Elwood is a small-sized city with a population of 2,603 people. At 97%, the majority of the Elwood population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 1% Asian. An important consideration when living in Elwood is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 32 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Elwood, Illinois could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Elwood, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety and more.
Elwood has a livability score of 69 out of 100 and is ranked #394 in Illinois and #8,125 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we know that Elwood ranks very well for crime (A-), cost of living (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Elwood, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).
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 Elwood, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 137 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Elwood can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Elwood meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Elwood. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Elwood are simply unattainable. The median home price for Elwood homes is $305,461, which is 1% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Elwood, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 25.7% lower than the Illinois average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Elwood | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 87.3% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.5% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.6% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.9% | 4.4% | 4.6% |