Alabaster, AL vs Des Plaines, 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.
Alabaster
74.7
#560 nationally
Des Plaines
76.4
#348 nationally
Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 10). Alabaster leads in crime level (2.7 vs 3.3). Alabaster leads in cost of living index (98 vs 112).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Alabaster, AL | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.7 (#560) | 76.4 (#348) |
| Population | 34,107 | 58,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $308,363 | $360,725 |
| Median Household Income | $89,423 | $86,552 |
| Average Commute | 32 min | 29.9 min |
| Walk Score | 10 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+40.8 | D+42.0 |
C
74.7 Score
Alabaster, AL
Small Alabama city with local appeal
Median Home
$308,363
Population
34,107
Crime
Low
Walk Score
10
Southeast
View Alabaster, AL →
C
76.4 Score
Des Plaines, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$360,725
Population
58,010
Crime
Low
Walk Score
57
Midwest
View Des Plaines, IL →
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