Brookings, SD 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.
Brookings
77.7
#220 nationally
South Elgin
75.4
#467 nationally
Brookings leads in average commute (12.6 min vs 28.6 min). Brookings leads in crime level (2.3 vs 5.2). South Elgin leads in median household income ($118,293 vs $57,824).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brookings, SD | South Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.7 (#220) | 75.4 (#467) |
| Population | 24,312 | 24,277 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $327,724 | $379,258 |
| Median Household Income | $57,824 | $118,293 |
| Average Commute | 12.6 min | 28.6 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 2.3 | 5.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+17.4 | D+9.4 |
C+
77.7 Score
Brookings, SD
Small South Dakota city with local appeal
Median Home
$327,724
Population
24,312
Crime
Low
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Brookings, SD →
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 →
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