Alton, IL vs Palmdale, CA
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
Palmdale
58
#1956 nationally
Alton leads in average commute (23.4 min vs 41.3 min). Palmdale leads in crime level (15.1 vs 26.4). Alton leads in walk score (39 vs 24).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Alton, IL | Palmdale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.1 (#275) | 58 (#1956) |
| Population | 25,006 | 161,404 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $105,039 | $503,499 |
| Median Household Income | $49,439 | $78,414 |
| Average Commute | 23.4 min | 41.3 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 24 |
| Crime Level | 26.4 | 15.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 84 | 130 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+13.3 | D+32.9 |
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 →
F
58 Score
Palmdale, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$503,499
Population
161,404
Crime
High
Walk Score
24
Pacific
View Palmdale, CA →