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.
Northfield, Illinois is a smaller city with a population of 5,896 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Northfield is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Based on an average age of 52, Northfield appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Northfield offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 32 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Northfield, Illinois could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Northfield and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Northfield to Illinois and the national average.
Using data and statistics Northfield has received a livability score of 79/100. This score is ranked in the 93rd percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Northfield would be considered a very livable city! Northfield has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Northfield ranks well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A). There are some categories that Northfield ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 18 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Northfield boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Northfield, the unemployment rate stands at 0.2%, 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.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Northfield schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Northfield an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Northfield 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 Northfield 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 Northfield. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Northfield are simply unattainable. The median home price for Northfield homes is $1,279,618, which is 314.7% higher than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Northfield, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6, which is 71.4% 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 | Northfield | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 60.6% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.7% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 13.6% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 13.9% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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