Marion, IN vs Palatine, 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.
Marion
85.1
#2 nationally
Palatine
74.6
#575 nationally
Palatine leads in median household income ($93,383 vs $42,366). Marion leads in average commute (17.1 min vs 28.7 min). Palatine leads in crime level (1.8 vs 2.9).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Marion, IN | Palatine, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 85.1 (#2) | 74.6 (#575) |
| Population | 28,105 | 64,869 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $140,425 | $396,744 |
| Median Household Income | $42,366 | $93,383 |
| Average Commute | 17.1 min | 28.7 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 2.9 | 1.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 82 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+41.8 | D+42.0 |
B
85.1 Score
Marion, IN
Small Indiana city with local appeal
Median Home
$140,425
Population
28,105
Crime
Low
Walk Score
40
Midwest
View Marion, IN →
C
74.6 Score
Palatine, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$396,744
Population
64,869
Crime
Low
Walk Score
41
Midwest
View Palatine, IL →
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