Melrose, MA 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.
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Palatine
74.6
#575 nationally
Palatine leads in crime level (1.8 vs 2.8). Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 41). Palatine leads in cost of living index (115 vs 167).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Melrose, MA | Palatine, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.3 (#1438) | 74.6 (#575) |
| Population | 29,357 | 64,869 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $930,823 | $396,744 |
| Median Household Income | $126,305 | $93,383 |
| Average Commute | 37.1 min | 28.7 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 2.8 | 1.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 167 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+42.0 |
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →
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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