Salem, 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.

Salem

68.6

#1307 nationally

vs

South Elgin

75.4

#467 nationally

Salem leads in walk score (70 vs 32). South Elgin leads in median household income ($118,293 vs $79,196). Salem leads in crime level (4.2 vs 5.2).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Salem, MA South Elgin, IL
WhereAtHome Score 68.6 (#1307) 75.4 (#467)
Population 44,744 24,277
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $614,321 $379,258
Median Household Income $79,196 $118,293
Average Commute 30.6 min 28.6 min
Walk Score 70 32
Crime Level 4.2 5.2
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 135 112
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+20.3 D+9.4
Salem, MA
D+
68.6 Score

Salem, MA

Small Massachusetts city with local appeal

Median Home

$614,321

Population

44,744

Crime

Moderate-Low

Walk Score

70

Northeast View Salem, 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

Swap Salem for:

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Swap South Elgin for:

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