Evanston, IL vs Johnston, IA
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.
Evanston
74.7
#562 nationally
Johnston
76
#397 nationally
Evanston leads in walk score (76 vs 21). Johnston leads in crime level (2.1 vs 3.9). Johnston leads in average commute (18.3 min vs 29 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Evanston, IL | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.7 (#562) | 76 (#397) |
| Population | 75,070 | 24,640 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $494,604 | $402,429 |
| Median Household Income | $93,188 | $98,324 |
| Average Commute | 29 min | 18.3 min |
| Walk Score | 76 | 21 |
| Crime Level | 3.9 | 2.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 131 | 110 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+10.9 |
C
74.7 Score
Evanston, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$494,604
Population
75,070
Crime
Low
Walk Score
76
Midwest
View Evanston, IL →
C
76 Score
Johnston, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$402,429
Population
24,640
Crime
Low
Walk Score
21
Midwest
View Johnston, IA →