McHenry, IL vs Waltham, MA
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.
McHenry
74.8
#550 nationally
Waltham
66.7
#1517 nationally
McHenry leads in crime level (2.6 vs 6.9). Waltham leads in walk score (57 vs 27). McHenry leads in cost of living index (105 vs 164).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | McHenry, IL | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.8 (#550) | 66.7 (#1517) |
| Population | 28,251 | 64,477 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $318,613 | $831,292 |
| Median Household Income | $83,651 | $113,443 |
| Average Commute | 32.3 min | 24.6 min |
| Walk Score | 27 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 2.6 | 6.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 164 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+5.3 | D+39.5 |
C
74.8 Score
McHenry, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$318,613
Population
28,251
Crime
Low
Walk Score
27
Midwest
View McHenry, IL →
D
66.7 Score
Waltham, MA
Massachusetts community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$831,292
Population
64,477
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
57
Northeast
View Waltham, MA →