Columbus, GA 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.
Columbus
76.2
#370 nationally
Elgin
72.8
#824 nationally
Elgin leads in crime level (7.3 vs 16.5). Elgin leads in walk score (43 vs 25). Elgin leads in median household income ($85,998 vs $54,561).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbus, GA | Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#370) | 72.8 (#824) |
| Population | 201,877 | 113,310 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $174,343 | $343,260 |
| Median Household Income | $54,561 | $85,998 |
| Average Commute | 20.2 min | 28.3 min |
| Walk Score | 25 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 16.5 | 7.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 104 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.4 | D+42.0 |
C
76.2 Score
Columbus, GA
Growing Georgia city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$174,343
Population
201,877
Crime
High
Walk Score
25
Southeast
View Columbus, GA →
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 →