Elgin Among Top 35 Cities in America for Diversity and Safety
The city of Elgin was recently highlighted in two national reports, naming the “City in the Suburbs” both one of the safest and one of the most diverse cities in America. Elgin was the only Illinois city to rank in the top 100 on both lists, but the city of Aurora was also ranked high on the Most Diverse list.
In fact, Aurora was No. 24 on the 2015 Most Diverse Cities in America list compiled by WalletHub. Elgin ranked 27 (tying with Joliet).
Elgin was also one of only two Illinois cities listed on Niche’s Safest Cities in America list, ranking 31. Both reports compared Elgin to all other American cities with populations greater than 100,000.
“These two studies, along with the study earlier this year that ranked Elgin as the third best city in Illinois for young families, continues to reinforce what we already know,” said Sean Stegall, Elgin city manager. “Elgin is a welcoming, inclusive community whose diversity helps to create safe, vibrant and connected neighborhoods throughout the city.”
WalletHub examined the demographic profiles of the 230 most populated cities in America. Cities were scored according to four categories: economic class diversity, ethno-racial and linguistic diversity, diversified economies and household diversity.
According to WalletHub’s website, “rapid diversification is one of the main drivers of (America’s) economic success. In recent decades, waves of immigration as well as financial and social mobility have not only changed the face of America but also ushered in a wealth of fresh perspectives, skills and technologies. … According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, economies generally fare better when they openly embrace and capitalize on new ideas.”
Niche ranked a city’s safety on assault, burglary and violent crime rates. According to Niche’s website, this ranking “provides a comprehensive assessment of the overall safety at the city level. This grade takes into account key indicators of a location’s safety, including a variety of violent and property crime data, in an attempt to measure an area’s well-being and security.”
Although pleased with the safe city recognition, Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said there is still more that can be done. “Reports like this illustrate what can be accomplished when the community gets involved with its police department. While I am proud of what we have accomplished so far, we must continue to develop that partnership so we can further increase safety in Elgin.”
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SOURCE: city of Elgin press release
