Elmhurst, IL vs Melrose, MA
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.
Elmhurst
73.4
#734 nationally
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Elmhurst leads in crime level (1.6 vs 2.8). Elmhurst leads in average commute (27.8 min vs 37.1 min). Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 48).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elmhurst, IL | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.4 (#734) | 67.3 (#1438) |
| Population | 45,336 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $647,169 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $143,492 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 27.8 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 1.6 | 2.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 135 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.3 | D+39.5 |
C
73.4 Score
Elmhurst, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$647,169
Population
45,336
Crime
Low
Walk Score
48
Midwest
View Elmhurst, IL →
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →