Bethlehem, PA 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.
Bethlehem
74.1
#632 nationally
Elgin
72.8
#824 nationally
Elgin leads in median household income ($85,998 vs $62,072). Bethlehem leads in walk score (59 vs 43). Bethlehem leads in crime level (5.6 vs 7.3).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.1 (#632) | 72.8 (#824) |
| Population | 78,300 | 113,310 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $364,711 | $343,260 |
| Median Household Income | $62,072 | $85,998 |
| Average Commute | 22.6 min | 28.3 min |
| Walk Score | 59 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 5.6 | 7.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 104 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.7 | D+42.0 |
C
74.1 Score
Bethlehem, PA
Pennsylvania community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$364,711
Population
78,300
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
59
Northeast
View Bethlehem, PA →
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 →