Gaithersburg, MD vs South Elgin, IL

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.

Gaithersburg

68.7

#1291 nationally

vs

South Elgin

75.4

#467 nationally

Gaithersburg leads in walk score (52 vs 32). South Elgin leads in crime level (5.2 vs 6.9). South Elgin leads in cost of living index (112 vs 141).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Gaithersburg, MD South Elgin, IL
WhereAtHome Score 68.7 (#1291) 75.4 (#467)
Population 69,563 24,277
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $522,428 $379,258
Median Household Income $104,544 $118,293
Average Commute 30.5 min 28.6 min
Walk Score 52 32
Crime Level 6.9 5.2
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 141 112
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+53.3 D+9.4
Gaithersburg, MD
D+
68.7 Score

Gaithersburg, MD

Maryland community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$522,428

Population

69,563

Crime

Moderate

Walk Score

52

Northeast View Gaithersburg, MD →
South Elgin, IL
C
75.4 Score

South Elgin, IL

Small Illinois city with local appeal

Median Home

$379,258

Population

24,277

Crime

Moderate-Low

Walk Score

32

Midwest View South Elgin, IL →

Try a different matchup

Swap Gaithersburg for:

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Swap South Elgin for:

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