Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Elwood, Illinois is a smaller city with a population of 2,524 inhabitants. At 97%, the majority of the Elwood population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 1% Asian. Something to be aware of when living in Elwood are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 32 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Elwood could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Illinois 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. Finding the best places to live in Elwood and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment and other important metrics.
Elwood, IL receives 66/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #430 in Illinois and #9,634 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Elwood ranks very well for crime (A-), cost of living (A-), employment (A) and housing (A+). Elwood does not score well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
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 Elwood 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.
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 Elwood is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Elwood come in at $171,200, which is 2.1% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Elwood, the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 30% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Elwood | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 87.3% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.5% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.6% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.9% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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