Evanston, 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.
Evanston
74.7
#562 nationally
Marion
80.8
#63 nationally
Evanston leads in walk score (76 vs 32). Marion leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 29 min). Marion leads in cost of living index (94 vs 131).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Evanston, IL | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.7 (#562) | 80.8 (#63) |
| Population | 75,070 | 42,213 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $494,604 | $281,229 |
| Median Household Income | $93,188 | $81,519 |
| Average Commute | 29 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 76 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 3.9 | 3.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 131 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+9.9 |
C
74.7 Score
Evanston, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$494,604
Population
75,070
Crime
Low
Walk Score
76
Midwest
View Evanston, 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 →