Bessemer, AL vs 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.
Bessemer
71.9
#943 nationally
Elgin
72.8
#824 nationally
Elgin leads in crime level (7.3 vs 47.8). Elgin leads in median household income ($85,998 vs $34,953). Elgin leads in walk score (43 vs 26).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bessemer, AL | Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71.9 (#943) | 72.8 (#824) |
| Population | 25,037 | 113,310 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $133,398 | $343,260 |
| Median Household Income | $34,953 | $85,998 |
| Average Commute | 24.7 min | 28.3 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 47.8 | 7.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 104 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+42.0 |
C-
71.9 Score
Bessemer, AL
Small Alabama city with local appeal
Median Home
$133,398
Population
25,037
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
26
Southeast
View Bessemer, AL →
C-
72.8 Score
Elgin, IL
Mid-size Illinois city with community character
Median Home
$343,260
Population
113,310
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
43
Midwest
View Elgin, IL →