IllinoisPop. 150,692Mid-size cities
Is Naperville a Good Place to Live? Naperville, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Naperville ranks #17 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #2 of 256 mid-size cities and #1 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (70 per 100,000, #4 of 235) and high household income ($155,105, #6 of 256), and trails on long commutes (30.5 min, #214 of 256).
Naperville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Naperville's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Naperville?
Naperville's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,885/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $625,494, 2.1 times the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Naperville | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 103.6#889 of 1,308 | 100 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $625,494#958 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,289/mo#835 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $540,200#1016 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,885/mo#1029 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 14.6%#49 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Naperville housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Naperville is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Naperville safe?
Naperville recorded 70 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 79% below the US rate of 328 and 72% below Illinois's 251. That ranks #68 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #4 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Naperville Police Department. Property crime runs 569 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Naperville | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 70#68 of 1,085 | 251 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 569#38 of 1,085 | 1,508 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Naperville?
The median household in Naperville earns $155,105, 87% above the US figure of $83,163 and 86% above Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Naperville | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $155,105#37 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 4.4%#71 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Naperville?
The median resident of Naperville is 40.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 72.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #32 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Naperville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 40.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 72.5%#32 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 74.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Naperville's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Naperville; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $20,231 per pupil. 27.9% of adults are obese and 8.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Naperville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $20,231#189 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 27.9%#265 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.7%#175 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 12.3%#25 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 4.6%#42 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 28,096 students are enrolled in Naperville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Naperville?
The average commute in Naperville is 30.5 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 5.4% of workers take transit and 31.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Naperville scores 9.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #723 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.3°F and winters 26°F, with 40.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Naperville | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 30.5 min#1137 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 13.4%#1188 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 56.7% | 66% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.4% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.3% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 31.1% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 9.7#723 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.5 | 14.7 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 35.2 | 17.7 | 2 |
| Mar | 47.2 | 26.1 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 59.2 | 36.1 | 3.8 |
| May | 70.6 | 47.4 | 4.8 |
| Jun | 80.7 | 57.9 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 84.4 | 61.8 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 82.7 | 60.2 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 76 | 52.3 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 62.6 | 40.4 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 48.4 | 29.9 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 36.6 | 20.6 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lisle - Morton Arboretum.
| Measure | Naperville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 49.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 26°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 40.2 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lisle - Morton Arboretum.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Naperville?
DuPage County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts DuPage County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
| Measure | Naperville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.1%#234 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for DuPage County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, DuPage County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.011% | 58% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0033% | 55% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.077% | 44% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Naperville compare with similar-size cities?
Naperville is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #2 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 150,692.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, ILPop. 150,692 | #17 | 73.2 | $155,105 | $1,885/mo | 70 | 30.5 min |
| Springfield, MAPop. 154,749 | #1186 | 45.5 | $52,656 | $1,144/mo | 871 | 20.2 min |
| Charleston, SCPop. 154,338 | #413 | 59.8 | $92,414 | $1,722/mo | 279 | 24.2 min |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #59 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 | 23.6 min |
| Escondido, CAPop. 149,668 | #807 | 53.2 | $91,967 | $2,046/mo | 337 | 27.5 min |
| Pasadena, TXPop. 149,433 | #1141 | 46.9 | $64,927 | $1,213/mo | 436 | 26.6 min |
| Bridgeport, CTPop. 149,153 | #873 | 52.1 | $58,685 | $1,450/mo | 250 | 30.5 min |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Naperville compare with the rest of Illinois?
Naperville ranks #1 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 73.2 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 86% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 72% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.1 times the typical Illinois home.
| City | Rank in IL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, ILPop. 150,692 | #1 | 73.2 | $155,105 | $1,885/mo | 70 |
| Wheaton, ILPop. 53,557 | #2 | 72.0 | $120,008 | $1,799/mo | 34 |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #3 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #4 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #5 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #6 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #7 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 |
| Skokie, ILPop. 66,219 | #8 | 68.7 | $95,337 | $1,552/mo | 151 |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #9 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #10 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Naperville among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Naperville's score calculated?
Naperville scores 73.2 out of 100, #17 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Illinois's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Naperville. Similar-size median 52.9.
86.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Naperville's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
98.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Naperville. Similar-size median 53.8.
77.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Naperville's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
71.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Naperville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
50.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Naperville. Similar-size median 51.2.
97.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Naperville. Similar-size median 42.1.
45.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Naperville. Similar-size median 50.1.
58.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Naperville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
45.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
70.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Naperville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Naperville has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Naperville
Is Naperville, IL a good place to live?
Naperville ranks #17 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #2 of 256 mid-size cities and #1 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (70 per 100,000, #4 of 235) and high household income ($155,105, #6 of 256), and trails on long commutes (30.5 min, #214 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Naperville?
Naperville's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,885/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $625,494, 2.1 times the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Naperville?
Naperville recorded 70 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 79% below the US rate of 328 and 72% below Illinois's 251. That ranks #68 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #4 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Naperville Police Department. Property crime runs 569 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Naperville?
The median household in Naperville earns $155,105, 87% above the US figure of $83,163 and 86% above Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Naperville?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,885/mo (Census), #1029 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,289/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Naperville?
The typical home value in Naperville is $625,494, up 4.4% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $540,200.
How are the public schools in Naperville?
There is no city graduation rate for Naperville; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $20,231 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Naperville?
The average commute is 30.5 minutes, #1137 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 13.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Naperville?
Naperville averages 49.2°F over the year, 71.3°F in summer and 26°F in winter, with 40.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Naperville walkable?
Naperville scores 9.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #723 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Naperville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts DuPage County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Naperville?
DuPage County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Naperville?
Naperville has 150,692 residents. The median resident of Naperville is 40.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 72.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #32 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Naperville compare with the rest of Illinois?
Naperville ranks #1 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 73.2 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 86% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 72% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.1 times the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Naperville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Naperville's population of 150,692 are Springfield, MA (#1186 overall), Charleston, SC (#413 overall), Bellevue, WA (#59 overall), Escondido, CA (#807 overall), and Pasadena, TX (#1141 overall). Naperville is #17.