Columbia, SC vs Rock Island, 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
73.8
#670 nationally
Rock Island
81.7
#39 nationally
Rock Island leads in crime level (14.9 vs 21.1). Rock Island leads in walk score (44 vs 35). Rock Island leads in cost of living index (89 vs 100).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Rock Island, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.8 (#670) | 81.7 (#39) |
| Population | 142,416 | 36,132 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $230,662 | $129,626 |
| Median Household Income | $54,095 | $55,732 |
| Average Commute | 17.4 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 44 |
| Crime Level | 21.1 | 14.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 89 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+33.5 | D+9.6 |
C
73.8 Score
Columbia, SC
Mid-size South Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$230,662
Population
142,416
Crime
High
Walk Score
35
Southeast
View Columbia, SC →
B-
81.7 Score
Rock Island, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$129,626
Population
36,132
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Rock Island, IL →
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