Columbia, SC vs Park Ridge, 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.
Columbia
73.8
#670 nationally
Park Ridge
74.2
#621 nationally
Park Ridge leads in crime level (2.6 vs 21.1). Park Ridge leads in median household income ($137,964 vs $54,095). Columbia leads in average commute (17.4 min vs 28.5 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Park Ridge, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.8 (#670) | 74.2 (#621) |
| Population | 142,416 | 37,897 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $230,662 | $595,303 |
| Median Household Income | $54,095 | $137,964 |
| Average Commute | 17.4 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 54 |
| Crime Level | 21.1 | 2.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 136 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+33.5 | D+42.0 |
C
73.8 Score
Columbia, SC
Mid-size South Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$230,662
Population
142,416
Crime
High
Walk Score
35
Southeast
View Columbia, SC →
C
74.2 Score
Park Ridge, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$595,303
Population
37,897
Crime
Low
Walk Score
54
Midwest
View Park Ridge, IL →
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