Northfield, IL
Population 5,683 · Illinois
About Northfield, IL
Northfield is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 5,683 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $180,492 per year, which is 140% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Northfield features a median home value of $807,700, which is 230% above the national median of $244,900. This places Northfield in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,917, 151% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,492 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (2,154 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (194 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Northfield shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Northfield have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
81.7% of Northfield residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.6% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 13.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Northfield Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Northfield, IL
Compared to national averages, Northfield has a median household income of $180,492 (140% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $807,700, which is 230% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,917 is 151% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Northfield's income is 140% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 387% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Northfield, IL?
Northfield offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $180,492, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%, and a well-educated community where 81.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $807,700. However, Northfield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Northfield has a population of 5,683 with a median age of 50.5 years. Compare Northfield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Northfield
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genoa | 5,685 | $79,343 | $201,600 | Compare |
| Hillsboro | 5,693 | $48,158 | $95,800 | Compare |
| East Alton | 5,729 | $46,926 | $99,600 | Compare |
| Du Quoin | 5,780 | $47,632 | $78,000 | Compare |
| Carlinville | 5,574 | $52,738 | $108,000 | Compare |
| Carterville | 5,822 | $65,238 | $183,500 | Compare |
| Lake Bluff | 5,834 | $205,735 | $739,400 | Compare |
| Peoria Heights | 5,834 | $62,083 | $118,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Northfield
What is the population of Northfield, IL?
The population of Northfield, IL is 5,683 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Northfield?
The median household income in Northfield, IL is $180,492 per year, which is 140% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Northfield?
The median home value in Northfield, IL is $807,700, which is 230% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Northfield?
The median monthly rent in Northfield, IL is $2,917, which is 151% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Northfield?
The unemployment rate in Northfield, IL is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Northfield, IL a good place to live?
Northfield offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,683 and a median age of 50.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Northfield, IL?
81.7% of residents in Northfield aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Northfield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Northfield, IL: median home value is $807,700 (230% above national), median rent is $2,917/month, and median household income is $180,492. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Northfield?
The poverty rate in Northfield, IL is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Northfield, IL?
Northfield's population is 0.6% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 13.7% of residents are foreign-born.