What to know when moving to Northbrook, IL
TL;DR: Northbrook at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 70.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 18.3% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $142,759, making it a financially robust area.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $1,921, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 6.8% of residents use public transit, suggesting a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,921/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Northbrook features a strong educational background, with 70.6% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The community is primarily homeowners, with only 18.3% of residents renting. The median household income stands at $142,759, indicating a financially stable environment. However, with just 6.8% using public transit, residents should plan for a car-centric lifestyle.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median gross rent of $1,921 is on the higher side.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,921, which reflects the higher end of the rental market.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $625,800, indicating a costly housing market.
- With a poverty rate of 5.0%, the community is relatively affluent.
- Approximately 18.3% of residents are renters, suggesting a strong owner-occupied presence.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, property crime rates are at 1,549 per 100,000 residents, slightly above the national average of 1,547. However, property crime has decreased by 16.1% since 2022. Violent crime in the state is at a rate of 245.7 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national figure of 325.3, with a notable decrease of 28.7% over the same period.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100,000 vs. national average of 325.3, showing a downward trend.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100,000 vs. national average of 1,547, with a 16.1% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have dropped by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Northbrook has access to 33 educational institutions nearby, with 31 of those offering College Scorecard data. Within Cook County, there are 27 institutions, indicating a relatively rich educational environment.
- Postsecondary institutions: 33 total.
- With College Scorecard data: 31 total.
- Notable nearby institutions include Loyola University Chicago and several technical schools in adjacent areas.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Northbrook offers several outdoor attractions for residents to enjoy. Notable parks include:
- Kohl Children's Museum - 4.6 stars (2,513 reviews)
- Gallery Park - 4.7 stars (1,000 reviews)
- Wood Oaks Green Park - 4.7 stars (604 reviews)
- Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve - 4.8 stars (593 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the unemployment rate stands at 4.6%. The labor force consists of about 2,741,497 individuals, with 2,616,332 currently employed, indicating a robust job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 2,616,332 individuals.
- Labor force: 2,741,497 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.