Columbia Heights, MN 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.
Columbia Heights
74.9
#527 nationally
Elgin
72.8
#824 nationally
Columbia Heights leads in walk score (53 vs 43). Elgin leads in median household income ($85,998 vs $70,470). Elgin leads in crime level (7.3 vs 8.8).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbia Heights, MN | Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.9 (#527) | 72.8 (#824) |
| Population | 22,278 | 113,310 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $303,089 | $343,260 |
| Median Household Income | $70,470 | $85,998 |
| Average Commute | 24.2 min | 28.3 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 8.8 | 7.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 104 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+42.0 |
C
74.9 Score
Columbia Heights, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$303,089
Population
22,278
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
53
Midwest
View Columbia Heights, MN →
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 →
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