Cost of Living in Northfield, IL

Population 5,683 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

248
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Northfield's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $808,000 for a typical home, 165% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $180,492 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 2.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 20 miles north of Chicago, Northfield falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 156% higher than Chicago's $315,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 265
Rent 222

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Northfield

The median home value in Northfield is $807,700 — 165% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,917/month, 122% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $180,492/year is 142% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Northfield has a cost of living index of 248 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 148% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$807,700
165% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$172,552
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,917/mo
122% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$651
1 BR
$741
2 BR
$899
3 BR
$1,196
4 BR
$1,364
Owner-occupied 91.7%
Renter-occupied 8.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,917
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,531/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.6 min
10% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
29.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
54.4%
Carpooled
5.5%
Public transit
7.6%
Walked
1.1%
Work from home
29.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$180,492
142% above avg
Per Capita Income
$116,824
Unemployment Rate
2.0%
59% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
Labor Force Participation
60.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 40.7%
Graduate degree 41.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 50.5
Male median age 49.6
Female median age 51.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 57 — Moderate
28.5%
Good air days/yr
223
Max AQI recorded
252
PM2.5 days
97
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Northfield, IL?

Northfield has a cost index of 248 (100 = national average). It is 148% above the national average.

What is average rent in Northfield, IL?

The median gross rent in Northfield is $2,917 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Northfield?

The median home value in Northfield is $807,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Northfield?

The median household income in Northfield is $180,492 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Northfield, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Northfield is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Northfield, IL affordable?

Northfield is above average in cost of living, with an index of 248 — about 148% higher than the national average.

Northfield at a Glance

Population
5,683
Median Income
$180,492
Home Value
$807,700
Median Rent
$2,917/mo
Unemployment
2.0%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

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