Lincoln, NE vs Springfield, 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.

Lincoln

78.7

#164 nationally

vs

Springfield

79.7

#112 nationally

Lincoln leads in walk score (42 vs 38). Springfield leads in average commute (17.6 min vs 18.4 min). Lincoln leads in cost of living index (90 vs 92).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Lincoln, NE Springfield, IL
WhereAtHome Score 78.7 (#164) 79.7 (#112)
Population 295,222 112,544
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $295,359 $174,630
Median Household Income $63,126 $62,419
Average Commute 18.4 min 17.6 min
Walk Score 42 38
Crime Level Low 24.7
School Rating 7.4 N/A
Cost of Living Index 90 92
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+4.3 R+5.0
Lincoln, NE
C+
78.7 Score

Lincoln, NE

University town with capital charm

Median Home

$295,359

Population

295,222

Crime

Low

Schools

B+

Midwest View Lincoln, NE →
Springfield, IL
C+
79.7 Score

Springfield, IL

Mid-size Illinois city with community character

Median Home

$174,630

Population

112,544

Crime

High

Walk Score

38

Midwest View Springfield, IL →

Try a different matchup

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