Ann Arbor, MI 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.
Ann Arbor
72.9
#803 nationally
Des Plaines
76.4
#348 nationally
Ann Arbor leads in average commute (20.8 min vs 29.9 min). Des Plaines leads in median household income ($86,552 vs $73,018). Des Plaines leads in cost of living index (112 vs 114).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.9 (#803) | 76.4 (#348) |
| Population | 123,851 | 58,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $536,036 | $360,725 |
| Median Household Income | $73,018 | $86,552 |
| Average Commute | 20.8 min | 29.9 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 57 |
| Crime Level | Low | 3.3 |
| School Rating | 8.9 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 114 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+44.4 | D+42.0 |
C-
72.9 Score
Ann Arbor, MI
A quintessential college town with big-city culture
Median Home
$536,036
Population
123,851
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Midwest
View Ann Arbor, MI →
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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