Melrose, MA vs South Elgin, 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

vs

South Elgin

75.4

#467 nationally

Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 32). Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 5.2). South Elgin leads in cost of living index (112 vs 167).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Melrose, MA South Elgin, IL
WhereAtHome Score 67.3 (#1438) 75.4 (#467)
Population 29,357 24,277
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $930,823 $379,258
Median Household Income $126,305 $118,293
Average Commute 37.1 min 28.6 min
Walk Score 62 32
Crime Level 2.8 5.2
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 167 112
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+39.5 D+9.4
Melrose, MA
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 →
South Elgin, IL
C
75.4 Score

South Elgin, IL

Small Illinois city with local appeal

Median Home

$379,258

Population

24,277

Crime

Moderate-Low

Walk Score

32

Midwest View South Elgin, IL →

Try a different matchup

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