Brea, CA vs South 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.
Brea
64.3
#1700 nationally
South Elgin
75.4
#467 nationally
South Elgin leads in cost of living index (112 vs 178). Brea leads in walk score (50 vs 32). South Elgin leads in crime level (5.2 vs 5.8).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brea, CA | South Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1700) | 75.4 (#467) |
| Population | 48,479 | 24,277 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,134,146 | $379,258 |
| Median Household Income | $120,226 | $118,293 |
| Average Commute | 31.1 min | 28.6 min |
| Walk Score | 50 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 5.8 | 5.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 178 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.6 | D+9.4 |
D
64.3 Score
Brea, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,134,146
Population
48,479
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
50
Pacific
View Brea, CA →
C
75.4 Score
South Elgin, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$379,258
Population
24,277
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
32
Midwest
View South Elgin, IL →