Appleton, WI vs South Elgin, 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.
Appleton
77.6
#227 nationally
South Elgin
75.4
#467 nationally
South Elgin leads in median household income ($118,293 vs $75,469). Appleton leads in average commute (19.4 min vs 28.6 min). Appleton leads in walk score (44 vs 32).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | South Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 75.4 (#467) |
| Population | 74,719 | 24,277 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $379,258 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $118,293 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 28.6 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 5.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | D+9.4 |
C+
77.6 Score
Appleton, WI
Wisconsin community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$309,058
Population
74,719
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Appleton, WI →
C
75.4 Score
South Elgin, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$379,258
Population
24,277
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
32
Midwest
View South Elgin, IL →
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