Alton, IL vs Brea, CA
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.
Alton
77.1
#275 nationally
Brea
64.3
#1700 nationally
Brea leads in crime level (5.8 vs 26.4). Brea leads in median household income ($120,226 vs $49,439). Alton leads in cost of living index (84 vs 178).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Alton, IL | Brea, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.1 (#275) | 64.3 (#1700) |
| Population | 25,006 | 48,479 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $105,039 | $1,134,146 |
| Median Household Income | $49,439 | $120,226 |
| Average Commute | 23.4 min | 31.1 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 50 |
| Crime Level | 26.4 | 5.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 84 | 178 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+13.3 | D+2.6 |
C+
77.1 Score
Alton, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$105,039
Population
25,006
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Alton, IL →
D
64.3 Score
Brea, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,134,146
Population
48,479
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
50
Pacific
View Brea, CA →