Marshalltown, IA vs Pekin, 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.
Marshalltown
84.1
#8 nationally
Pekin
80.5
#73 nationally
Marshalltown leads in crime level (8.1 vs 10.8). Marshalltown leads in average commute (17.4 min vs 21.8 min). Marshalltown leads in median household income ($65,000 vs $52,507).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Marshalltown, IA | Pekin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 84.1 (#8) | 80.5 (#73) |
| Population | 27,574 | 31,126 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $179,538 | $145,264 |
| Median Household Income | $65,000 | $52,507 |
| Average Commute | 17.4 min | 21.8 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | 10.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 84 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+15.6 | R+26.7 |
B
84.1 Score
Marshalltown, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$179,538
Population
27,574
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
43
Midwest
View Marshalltown, IA →
B-
80.5 Score
Pekin, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$145,264
Population
31,126
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Pekin, IL →