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Retirement community in Northbrook, Illinois

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Northbrook, Illinois Retirement Guide

60

Retirement Score

Northbrook, Illinois at a Glance

Median Home Price
$621,600
State Income Tax
State income tax; Social Security and retirement income (pensions, 401k, IRA) fully exempt.
Avg January Low
17.9°F
Cost of Living Index
101.2 (US avg = 100)
RetireCityIQ Score
60 / 100

Overview

Explore the key retirement factors for Northbrook, Illinois, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.

Cost of Living

Affordability Metrics

Cost of Living Index
101.2 (U.S. avg = 100)Medium confidence
BEA Regional Price Parities · Updated May 2026
Median Household Income
$150,236High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Northbrook's cost of living is 1.2000000000000028% above the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.

Housing

Real Estate & Housing

Median Home Price
$621,600High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Median Monthly Rent
$1,998High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Owner-Occupied Housing
87.4%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)

Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Northbrook using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.

Estimated monthly carrying cost

$1,347

Stress-case monthly carrying cost

$1,513

Median home price used: $621,600

Median rent reference: $1,998 / month

Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.

Budget validation

Calculate if your savings last in this city

Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Northbrook, Illinois after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.

Open the RetireFree Calculator →

Healthcare

Access & Quality

Healthcare Access Score
Care Access (Proxy)
100 / 100Estimated
RetireCityIQ proxy model · Updated June 2026
Aging-in-Place Score
50.2 / 100Estimated
RetireCityIQ proxy model · Updated June 2026

Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Northbrook scores 100 out of 100 for healthcare access.

Care planning link

Find local assisted living in Northbrook

If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.

Assisted living in Northbrook

Taxes

State Tax Climate

Retirement Tax Score
60 / 100High confidence
Tax Foundation · Updated September 2026
Tax Details
State income tax; Social Security and retirement income (pensions, 401k, IRA) fully exempt.High confidence
Tax Foundation · Updated September 2026

Illinois has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.

Climate

Weather & Environment

Avg July High
Avg January Low
Annual Precipitation
Sunny Days / Year

With 270 sunny days a year and an average January low of 17.9°F, Northbrook offers a traditional winter climate.

Safety & Walkability

Community Safety

Safety Score
92.3 / 100Medium confidence
FBI Crime Data Explorer · Updated June 2026

Walkability

Walk Score (proxy)
20.3 / 100Medium confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year (B08301) · Updated June 2026
Transit Score (proxy)
27.9 / 100Medium confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year (B08301) · Updated June 2026

Demographics

Population Profile

Population
34,950High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Median Age
49.4High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Age 65+
24.7%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Veterans
3.8%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Bachelor's Degree+
72.4%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Diversity Breakdown

White
77.2%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Black
2.4%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Hispanic/Latino
4.2%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Asian
16.3%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Frequently asked questions about retiring in Northbrook

What is the cost of living in Northbrook, Illinois for retirees?

The cost-of-living index is 101, roughly 1% above the national average of 100. Median home price is around $621,600.

Does Illinois tax Social Security or retirement income?

For Illinois residents: State income tax; Social Security and retirement income (pensions, 401k, IRA) fully exempt.

What is the climate like in Northbrook, Illinois?

Northbrook, Illinois has January average low around 18°F, July average high around 83°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.

What is healthcare access like in Northbrook, Illinois?

Northbrook scores 100/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a top-tier score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).

Local Professionals

Financial Advisors

ARTHUR M. COHEN & ASSOCIATES LLC

Financial Advisor

ARTHUR M. COHEN & ASSOCIATES LLC

Financial Advisor

MAIN STREET INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC

Financial Advisor

+92 more financial advisors available

Interested in Northbrook? Talk to a Local Expert.

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