Austin, MN vs Elgin, IL
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.
Austin
83.9
#10 nationally
Elgin
72.8
#824 nationally
Austin leads in average commute (17 min vs 28.3 min). Austin leads in crime level (5.2 vs 7.3). Elgin leads in median household income ($85,998 vs $61,667).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Austin, MN | Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 83.9 (#10) | 72.8 (#824) |
| Population | 26,171 | 113,310 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $193,110 | $343,260 |
| Median Household Income | $61,667 | $85,998 |
| Average Commute | 17 min | 28.3 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 5.2 | 7.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 104 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.5 | D+42.0 |
B
83.9 Score
Austin, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$193,110
Population
26,171
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Austin, MN →
C-
72.8 Score
Elgin, IL
Mid-size Illinois city with community character
Median Home
$343,260
Population
113,310
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
43
Midwest
View Elgin, IL →