Melrose, MA vs Vernon Hills, 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
Vernon Hills
73.9
#666 nationally
Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 28). Vernon Hills leads in crime level (1.6 vs 2.8). Vernon Hills leads in average commute (27.4 min vs 37.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Melrose, MA | Vernon Hills, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.3 (#1438) | 73.9 (#666) |
| Population | 29,357 | 26,677 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $930,823 | $460,307 |
| Median Household Income | $126,305 | $117,253 |
| Average Commute | 37.1 min | 27.4 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 2.8 | 1.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 167 | 126 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+20.8 |
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
73.9 Score
Vernon Hills, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$460,307
Population
26,677
Crime
Low
Walk Score
28
Midwest
View Vernon Hills, IL →
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