Elgin, IL vs Pontiac, MI
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
Pontiac
75
#522 nationally
Elgin leads in crime level (7.3 vs 27.0). Elgin leads in median household income ($85,998 vs $40,307). Pontiac leads in average commute (21.7 min vs 28.3 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Pontiac, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.8 (#824) | 75 (#522) |
| Population | 113,310 | 61,689 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $343,260 | $140,484 |
| Median Household Income | $85,998 | $40,307 |
| Average Commute | 28.3 min | 21.7 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 7.3 | 27.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 84 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+10.6 |
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
75 Score
Pontiac, MI
Michigan community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$140,484
Population
61,689
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
41
Midwest
View Pontiac, MI →