Dallas, TX 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.
Dallas
70.1
#1132 nationally
Elgin
72.8
#824 nationally
Elgin leads in median household income ($85,998 vs $61,899). Dallas leads in walk score (46 vs 43). Dallas leads in average commute (27.4 min vs 28.3 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.1 (#1132) | 72.8 (#824) |
| Population | 1,304,379 | 113,310 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,590 | $343,260 |
| Median Household Income | $61,899 | $85,998 |
| Average Commute | 27.4 min | 28.3 min |
| Walk Score | 46 | 43 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-High | 7.3 |
| School Rating | 5.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 104 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+22.2 | D+42.0 |
C-
70.1 Score
Dallas, TX
Big D - business and culture collide
Median Home
$309,590
Population
1,304,379
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Southwest
View Dallas, TX →
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 →