Evanston, IL vs Rochester, MN
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
Rochester
76
#401 nationally
Evanston leads in walk score (76 vs 30). Rochester leads in average commute (17.1 min vs 29 min). Rochester leads in cost of living index (106 vs 131).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Evanston, IL | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.7 (#562) | 76 (#401) |
| Population | 75,070 | 122,413 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $494,604 | $347,877 |
| Median Household Income | $93,188 | $83,973 |
| Average Commute | 29 min | 17.1 min |
| Walk Score | 76 | 30 |
| Crime Level | 3.9 | 4.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 131 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+10.7 |
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 →
C
76 Score
Rochester, MN
Mid-size Minnesota city with community character
Median Home
$347,877
Population
122,413
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
30
Midwest
View Rochester, MN →