Elgin, IL vs Marion, IA
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
Marion
80.8
#63 nationally
Marion leads in crime level (3.4 vs 7.3). Marion leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 28.3 min). Elgin leads in walk score (43 vs 32).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.8 (#824) | 80.8 (#63) |
| Population | 113,310 | 42,213 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $343,260 | $281,229 |
| Median Household Income | $85,998 | $81,519 |
| Average Commute | 28.3 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 7.3 | 3.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+9.9 |
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 →
B-
80.8 Score
Marion, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$281,229
Population
42,213
Crime
Low
Walk Score
32
Midwest
View Marion, IA →