Abilene, TX vs Waukegan, IL
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.
Abilene
77.5
#236 nationally
Waukegan
74.8
#557 nationally
Abilene leads in average commute (15.2 min vs 26.9 min). Waukegan leads in walk score (49 vs 31). Waukegan leads in median household income ($66,077 vs $59,254).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.5 (#236) | 74.8 (#557) |
| Population | 129,043 | 87,642 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $222,710 | $249,468 |
| Median Household Income | $59,254 | $66,077 |
| Average Commute | 15.2 min | 26.9 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 49 |
| Crime Level | 11.6 | 12.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+49.8 | D+20.8 |
C+
77.5 Score
Abilene, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$222,710
Population
129,043
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
31
Southwest
View Abilene, TX →
C
74.8 Score
Waukegan, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$249,468
Population
87,642
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
49
Midwest
View Waukegan, IL →