Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Located in the state of Illinois, Northbrook is a moderately-sized city with a population of 33,971 residents. At 79%, the majority of the Northbrook population is White; this is followed by 17% Asian and 2% Black. The Northbrook population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 50, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. Northbrook has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 71% of the population is classified as married and 39% have kids. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Northbrook, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 29 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Northbrook, 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 Northbrook and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, health & safety, education, employment and other important metrics.
Northbrook, IL receives 80/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #73 in Illinois and #1,378 in the USA. Based on this score, Northbrook would be considered a very livable city! Northbrook also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Northbrook has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Northbrook ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Northbrook has a violent crime rate of 18 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Northbrook, the unemployment rate stands at 1.3%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Northbrook, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 72%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Northbrook 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Northbrook. 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 Northbrook are affordable. The median home price for Northbrook homes is $991,189, which is 221.2% higher than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Northbrook, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.1, which is 45.7% higher 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 | Northbrook | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 66.0% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.6% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 11.5% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.3% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 15.1% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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