Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Crime
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Amenities
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Health & Safety
Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.
Located in the state of Illinois, Lena is a small-sized city with a population of 2,866 inhabitants. At 97%, the majority of the Lena population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 0% Asian. 72% of the people in Lena (over the age of 15) are married and 45% have kids under the age of eighteen. Knowing that, it’s safe to say that this area could be a great place for other families to lay down roots. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Lena your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 28 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Lena, Illinois could be a positive 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. Finding the best places to live in Lena and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, housing and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 68/100, Lena is ranked #8,534 in the United States and #412 in Illinois. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Lena has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Lena scores poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
The Lena unemployment rate of 2.3% 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.
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 Lena 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.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Lena is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Lena come in at $220,345, which is 28.6% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Lena, the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 22.9% 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 | Lena | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 28min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.2% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.4% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.1% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.7% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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