Performance
Score Breakdown
West Linn
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
77% higher compared to West Linn.
Housing costs are a major driver: West Linn's average rent is
151% higher than Elyria's.
| Metric | West Linn | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,300 | $917 | +151% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $250 | $249 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $181 | $125 | +45% |
| Monthly Total | $3,301 | $1,861 | +77% |
| Cost Index | 135 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 39% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elyria delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in West Linn is estimated at
$66,840 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | West Linn | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $47,242 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $66,840 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 34,994 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $146,507 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | West Linn | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, West Linn leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | West Linn | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 21.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 34.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of West Linn.
From a growth perspective, West Linn is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Elyria has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | West Linn | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,601 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.09% | % |
| Median Age | 43.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.00% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
West Linn
Advantages
Consistently ranked as the safest city in Oregon, with very low violent and property crime rates [12, 14].
Exceptional quality of life driven by natural beauty, abundant outdoor recreation, and a peaceful suburban environment [4].
Highly-rated public schools contribute to a family-friendly atmosphere and strong community appeal [41].
High median household income and a strong job market, supported by a well-educated population [3, 5, 9].
Convenient proximity to Portland offers access to major employment centers and urban amenities while maintaining a distinct small-town charm [4].
Drawbacks
High cost of living, particularly for housing and transportation, makes it one of the more expensive cities in Oregon [33, 37, 39].
Car dependency is high, with limited public transportation options and low walkability scores, requiring most residents to own vehicles [6, 7].
Limited development potential due to geographic restrictions may constrain future growth and housing diversity [15].
While major hospitals are nearby, there are no full-service hospitals located directly within West Linn city limits [19, 22].
Oregon's state income tax rates are among the highest in the country, adding to the overall cost for residents [39].
Elyria
Advantages
The cost of living in Elyria is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Elyria boasts a high livability score and ample local amenities, including restaurants, grocery stores, and parks.
The city's crime rate is lower than the national average, contributing to a generally safe environment.
Housing in Elyria is notably affordable, with a median property value significantly below the national average.
Elyria offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Drawbacks
The employment sector in Elyria has received a low grade, indicating challenges in the job market.
Public transportation options are limited, leading to high car dependency for most residents.
Some residents perceive a lack of nightlife and entertainment options for adults, describing the city as 'boring' for that demographic.
The city faces issues with road quality, including bad streets and potholes.
Shopping opportunities have been noted as dissipating from what was once a booming city.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
West Linn
#3Oregon, USA
80.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,300
Avg Salary
$47,242
Cost Index
135
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
21.0/10
Walkability
34.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.09%
Unemployment
5.00%
Livability
85
Business
70
Elyria
#16Ohio, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
13.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
75
Business
50
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