Elgin, IL vs Lake Charles, LA
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.
Elgin
72.8
#824 nationally
Lake Charles
76.2
#371 nationally
Elgin leads in crime level (7.3 vs 16.8). Lake Charles leads in average commute (18 min vs 28.3 min). Elgin leads in median household income ($85,998 vs $54,761).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.8 (#824) | 76.2 (#371) |
| Population | 113,310 | 79,633 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $343,260 | $206,355 |
| Median Household Income | $85,998 | $54,761 |
| Average Commute | 28.3 min | 18 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 7.3 | 16.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | R+39.6 |
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 →
C
76.2 Score
Lake Charles, LA
Louisiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$206,355
Population
79,633
Crime
High
Walk Score
37
Southeast
View Lake Charles, LA →
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