South Elgin, IL vs Waltham, MA
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.
South Elgin
75.4
#467 nationally
Waltham
66.7
#1517 nationally
Waltham leads in walk score (57 vs 32). South Elgin leads in cost of living index (112 vs 164). South Elgin leads in crime level (5.2 vs 6.9).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | South Elgin, IL | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.4 (#467) | 66.7 (#1517) |
| Population | 24,277 | 64,477 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $379,258 | $831,292 |
| Median Household Income | $118,293 | $113,443 |
| Average Commute | 28.6 min | 24.6 min |
| Walk Score | 32 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 5.2 | 6.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 164 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+9.4 | D+39.5 |
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 →
D
66.7 Score
Waltham, MA
Massachusetts community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$831,292
Population
64,477
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
57
Northeast
View Waltham, MA →