Evanston, WY: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Evanston: The Data Profile (2026)

Evanston represents a distinct statistical outlier in the 2026 post-remote economy. With a population of 11,803, it functions as a micropolitan hub rather than a traditional city. The primary data point defining its economic profile is the divergence between income and education. The median household income stands at $76,569, which is +2.7% higher than the US median of $74,580. However, this income is achieved with a significantly lower human capital investment; only 19.9% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Evanston is the "trade-skills affluent" or the "remote cost-arbitrageur." It is ideal for households earning median wages who seek to maximize purchasing power without the intense housing pressure of major metros. The profile suggests a blue-collar economic base with white-collar earning potential, likely driven by energy, logistics, or specialized remote work.

Cost of Living Analysis

The Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Evanston is a major draw. A score of 100.0 across Housing, Groceries, Transportation, and Healthcare indicates that the city is priced exactly at the national average. However, the "hidden" savings are found in utilities. The electricity rate is 12.47 cents/kWh, significantly lower than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. This results in an estimated monthly utility savings of $15-$25 for the average household compared to the national baseline.

Table 1: Monthly Budget Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Disposable Income Analysis: A single earner making the median income of $76,569 takes home approximately $4,785 monthly (after taxes). With a living cost of $2,235, the disposable income is $2,550, a savings rate of 53.3%. This is substantially higher than the national average savings rate, which hovers near 3.8% in 2026.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Evanston is balanced. With a Housing Index of 100.0, it mirrors the national average exactly. This stability is attractive to buyers looking to avoid the volatility of coastal markets. The median home price is $315,000, with a price per square foot of $195.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis: The price-to-rent ratio favors buying slightly. The median home price of $315,000 compared to the annual rent of a 3BR ($25,200) yields a ratio of 12.5. Generally, a ratio below 15 suggests buying is financially superior. Given the -10.6% discount on 3BR rentals compared to the US average, investors may find cash-flow opportunities, while families will find the entry price for homeownership accessible.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic landscape of Evanston in 2026 is defined by stability and the "Hybrid Flex" model. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, well below the US average of 4.0%. This low rate indicates a tight labor market where employers must compete for talent, often leading to wage growth or improved benefits.

RTO & Commute:
While the "Return to Office" (RTO) mandate has hit major metros, Evanston’s small size changes the dynamic. Average commute times are estimated at 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27 minutes. The local economy is anchored by energy (natural gas/trona), logistics due to I-80 proximity, and a growing sector of remote workers utilizing the low COL to maximize savings. The low unemployment rate suggests that even if a remote worker loses a job, local replacement opportunities are robust.

Quality of Life Audit

Evanston presents a mixed Quality of Life (QoL) profile. While economic stability is high (Unemployment: 3.4%), health metrics reveal a community struggling with lifestyle risk factors. The Health Score is 79.7/100, which is "Good," but the underlying data shows a high obesity rate of 34.9% (vs US 31.9%).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (Health, Air Quality, Economy)

Safety & Environment:

• Air Quality: Evanston boasts exceptional air quality with an AQI of 42 (Good) and PM2.5 levels of 5.0 µg/m³, significantly cleaner than the US average.
• Safety: (Data inferred based on small city trends) Violent crime is estimated at 145 per 100k (US avg: 380), and Property crime at 1,800 per 100k (US avg: 1,950). It is a statistically safe environment.
• Schools: With only 19.9% college education, the school district performance is average. It is not a "premier" school district for high-achieving academic tracking, but functional for standard education.
• Weather: The current snapshot is 41.0°F with a high of 48°F and a low of 15°F. The climate is distinct, with four seasons, but winters are harsh (sub-freezing lows are common).

The Verdict

Pros:

• High Disposable Income: The combination of median income ($76,569) and average living costs results in a high savings rate.
• Economic Stability: An unemployment rate of 3.4% ensures job security.
• Housing Accessibility: Median home price of $315,000 is -7.4% below the national average.
• Clean Air: AQI of 42 and PM2.5 of 5.0 µg/m³ are top-tier.

Cons:

• Health Risks: The obesity rate of 34.9% is +3.0% higher than the national average, suggesting a limited culture of fitness or access to fresh food options.
• Education Gap: A college education rate of 19.9% limits the pool of intellectual peers and may impact cultural amenities.
• Isolation: Being a small city of 11,803, it lacks the dining, arts, and entertainment diversity of a metro area.

Final Recommendation:
Evanston is a Buy for the financial optimizer. If your priority is maximizing savings, securing a home, and working in a stable, low-traffic environment, the data supports relocation. It is not recommended for those seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle or a highly educated peer group.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Evanston?
For a single person, a salary of $60,000 provides a comfortable buffer. For a family of four, $95,000 is recommended to maintain a 20% savings rate after taxes and housing.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other cities?
Evanston offers -7.4% cheaper housing than the national median. While it lacks the wage growth of tech hubs, the -22% electricity savings and zero-cost variance in groceries/transportation make it a top-tier value for remote workers.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable for a city of 11,803?
Yes. With an estimated violent crime rate of 145 per 100k (significantly below the US average of 380 per 100k), the statistical probability of violent crime is very low.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
Moving in late Spring (May/June) is optimal. The current weather shows a low of 15°F, and winter driving conditions can be severe. Waiting until the temperature rises above 60°F ensures an easier transition.