Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Crime
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.
Housing
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.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Health & Safety
A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.
Schools
The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.
Ratings
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Harvard, Illinois is a small-sized city with a population of 9,547 residents. At 89%, the majority of the Harvard population is White; this is followed by 0% Black and 0% Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Harvard are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 38% of the population also speak Spanish. The median age of all Harvard residents is 28, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. Something to be aware of when living in Harvard are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 31 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Harvard could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Illinois if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, health & safety, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Harvard and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Harvard to Illinois and the national average.
Using data and statistics Harvard has received a livability score of 66/100. This score is ranked in the 61st percentile when compared to all other cities. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Harvard ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Harvard does not score well for the following: amenities (F), education (F) and employment (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Harvard gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 139 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Harvard market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Harvard. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Harvard are affordable. The median home price for Harvard homes is $226,550, which is 26.6% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Harvard, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 14.3% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Harvard | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.7% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 17.7% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.5% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.3% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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