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Elgin, IL
Elgin · Cook County · IL 60120
Updated October 10, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Think twice
Verdict
$242K
Median Price
66/100
Walk Score
6.9/10
Schools
60 min
to Chicago Loop, IL
Score Breakdown
AAffordability
92/100
D+Safety
55/100
C+Schools
69/100
D+Quietness
50/100
D+Commute
55/100
CWalkability
66/100
WYLT Score65/100
Our Take
Elgin offers affordable housing and decent schools, but it’s a car‑dependent suburb with a long commute to Chicago and limited public transit or walkability. If you’re okay with driving and a quieter, lower‑income area, it could work, but the lack of amenities and long travel time are serious drawbacks.
B.
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The Good
- ✓Low cost of living – median home price $214k and rent $1,203
- ✓Good public school system – average rating 7.6
- ✓High diversity – over 60% Hispanic population
- ✓Low flood risk (Flood Zone X)
Real Talk
- !Walk score 13 – almost everything requires a car
- !Transit options are virtually nonexistent, so commuting to Chicago takes about an hour by car
- !Limited dining, nightlife, and cultural amenities
- !Uncertainty about local crime rates – no data provided, but suburban areas can have higher property crime
- $High gasoline and parking costs for the daily commute
- $Property taxes can be substantial for suburban Illinois properties
- $Insufficient public transport may force car ownership, adding insurance and maintenance expenses
Best For
young families looking for affordabilitybudget‑conscious buyerssuburban commuterspeople who value diversity
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskLow
Violent crimeModerate
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityModerate
Price volatilityModerate
Crime & Safety
Elgin, IL
D+
Safety grade
Safety score55 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Moderate3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
5% higher than the national average
🔒Property Crime
Moderate19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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