Alton, IL vs Lancaster, PA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Alton
77.1
#275 nationally
Lancaster
63.7
#413 nationally
Lancaster leads in crime level (9.5 vs 26.4). Lancaster leads in walk score (81 vs 39). Lancaster leads in median household income ($61,014 vs $49,439).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Alton, IL | Lancaster, PA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.1 (#275) | 63.7 (#413) |
| Population | 25,006 | 57,153 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $105,039 | $0 |
| Median Household Income | $49,439 | $61,014 |
| Average Commute | 23.4 min | 23 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 81 |
| Crime Level | 26.4 | 9.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 84 | 93 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+13.3 | R+15.9 |
C+
77.1 Score
Alton, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$105,039
Population
25,006
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Alton, IL →
—
Score
Lancaster, PA
Pennsylvania community balancing growth and livability
Population
57,153
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
81
Median Income
$61,014
Northeast
View Lancaster, PA →