Urbana 80 Exceptional
Urbana Livability #110 ranked city in Illinois#1,793 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Urbana

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Schools Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.

What's it like Living in Urbana?

Urbana, Illinois is a medium-sized city with a population of 43,747 people. In Urbana, there are 3,705 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. With an average age of 25 years old, Urbana could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. Urbana is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 30%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Urbana offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Urbana, Illinois could be a positive 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. Finding the best places to live in Urbana and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, housing and other important metrics.

Urbana has a livability score of 81/100 and is ranked #63 in Illinois and #1,290 in the USA. This is a phenomenal score, as Urbana ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Urbana ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Urbana ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B) Urbana does not do well for the following: education (D-) and employment (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

If you're living in Urbana, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Urbana an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Meadowbrook Park, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, and Japan House.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Urbana 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 Urbana. 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 Urbana are affordable. The median home price for Urbana homes is $277,084, which is 10.2% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Urbana, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 48.6% higher than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Urbana

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Compare Urbana, IL Livability

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      Urbana transportation information

      Statistic Urbana Illinois National
      Average one way commute15min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work53.6%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.8%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit11.3%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle5.7%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk14.9%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home6.7%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Urbana, IL 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.