Lancaster, CA vs Melrose Park, 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.
Lancaster
61.5
#1905 nationally
Melrose Park
73.7
#688 nationally
Melrose Park leads in crime level (8.3 vs 22.9). Melrose Park leads in walk score (68 vs 29). Melrose Park leads in cost of living index (102 vs 126).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lancaster, CA | Melrose Park, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.5 (#1905) | 73.7 (#688) |
| Population | 166,236 | 23,666 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $465,459 | $326,590 |
| Median Household Income | $71,367 | $64,400 |
| Average Commute | 30.9 min | 26.8 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 68 |
| Crime Level | 22.9 | 8.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+42.0 |
D-
61.5 Score
Lancaster, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$465,459
Population
166,236
Crime
High
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Lancaster, CA →
C
73.7 Score
Melrose Park, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$326,590
Population
23,666
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
68
Midwest
View Melrose Park, IL →
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