Northwood 79 Exceptional
Northwood Livability #151 ranked city in Ohio#2,295 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Northwood

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.

  • Employment 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 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.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Amenities 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.

  • Commute Commute

    A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.

What's it like Living in Northwood?

Northwood, Ohio is a small city with a population of 5,600 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Northwood is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Northwood will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Northwood could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Ohio 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. The best areas in Northwood and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Ohio and national averages.

Using data and statistics Northwood has received a livability score of 77 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 91st percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the national average, Northwood ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Northwood also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Northwood scores well for crime (B-), cost of living (A+), employment (A-) and housing (A+) There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Northwood. The following was graded with a discouraging score: 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 Northwood, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 172 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

The Northwood 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.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Northwood apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Northwood is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Northwood come in at $248,012, which is 5.6% higher than the Ohio average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Northwood, the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 22.6% lower than the Ohio average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Northwood

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Compare Northwood, OH Livability

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      Northwood transportation information

      Statistic Northwood Ohio National
      Average one way commute16min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work88.7%83.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.4%7.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.7%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.5%2.3%2.8%
      Working from home2.9%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Northwood, OH data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.