Elgin, IL vs Fairfax, VA
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
Fairfax
70.4
#1102 nationally
Fairfax leads in crime level (2.5 vs 7.3). Elgin leads in cost of living index (104 vs 160). Fairfax leads in median household income ($128,708 vs $85,998).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Fairfax, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.8 (#824) | 70.4 (#1102) |
| Population | 113,310 | 25,144 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $343,260 | $787,568 |
| Median Household Income | $85,998 | $128,708 |
| Average Commute | 28.3 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 54 |
| Crime Level | 7.3 | 2.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 160 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+35.0 |
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-
70.4 Score
Fairfax, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$787,568
Population
25,144
Crime
Low
Walk Score
54
Northeast
View Fairfax, VA →