Elgin, IL vs Evanston, 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.
Elgin
72.8
#824 nationally
Evanston
74.7
#562 nationally
Evanston leads in crime level (3.9 vs 7.3). Evanston leads in walk score (76 vs 43). Elgin leads in cost of living index (104 vs 131).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Evanston, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.8 (#824) | 74.7 (#562) |
| Population | 113,310 | 75,070 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $343,260 | $494,604 |
| Median Household Income | $85,998 | $93,188 |
| Average Commute | 28.3 min | 29 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 76 |
| Crime Level | 7.3 | 3.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 131 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+42.0 |
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 →
C
74.7 Score
Evanston, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$494,604
Population
75,070
Crime
Low
Walk Score
76
Midwest
View Evanston, IL →