Melrose, MA vs Oak 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.

Melrose

67.3

#1438 nationally

vs

Oak Park

71.1

#1024 nationally

Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 8.9). Oak Park leads in cost of living index (127 vs 167). Oak Park leads in walk score (78 vs 62).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Melrose, MA Oak Park, IL
WhereAtHome Score 67.3 (#1438) 71.1 (#1024)
Population 29,357 52,055
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $930,823 $489,829
Median Household Income $126,305 $103,264
Average Commute 37.1 min 33.4 min
Walk Score 62 78
Crime Level 2.8 8.9
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 167 127
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+39.5 D+42.0
Melrose, MA
D+
67.3 Score

Melrose, MA

Small Massachusetts city with local appeal

Median Home

$930,823

Population

29,357

Crime

Low

Walk Score

62

Northeast View Melrose, MA →
Oak Park, IL
C-
71.1 Score

Oak Park, IL

Illinois community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$489,829

Population

52,055

Crime

Moderate

Walk Score

78

Midwest View Oak Park, IL →

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