Columbus, IN 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
81.7
#37 nationally
Elgin
72.8
#824 nationally
Columbus leads in crime level (0.4 vs 7.3). Columbus leads in average commute (18.1 min vs 28.3 min). Elgin leads in walk score (43 vs 29).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.7 (#37) | 72.8 (#824) |
| Population | 51,522 | 113,310 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,533 | $343,260 |
| Median Household Income | $75,114 | $85,998 |
| Average Commute | 18.1 min | 28.3 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 0.4 | 7.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 104 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+27.3 | D+42.0 |
B-
81.7 Score
Columbus, IN
Indiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$281,533
Population
51,522
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
29
Midwest
View Columbus, IN →
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 →