Elgin, IL vs Royal Oak, 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
Royal Oak
79.7
#111 nationally
Royal Oak leads in crime level (3.4 vs 7.3). Royal Oak leads in walk score (57 vs 43). Royal Oak leads in average commute (24.7 min vs 28.3 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Royal Oak, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.8 (#824) | 79.7 (#111) |
| Population | 113,310 | 57,452 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $343,260 | $337,493 |
| Median Household Income | $85,998 | $92,799 |
| Average Commute | 28.3 min | 24.7 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 7.3 | 3.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 106 |
| 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+
79.7 Score
Royal Oak, MI
Michigan community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$337,493
Population
57,452
Crime
Low
Walk Score
57
Midwest
View Royal Oak, MI →