Apex, NC 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.
Apex
70.6
#1082 nationally
Des Plaines
76.4
#348 nationally
Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 26). Apex leads in median household income ($129,688 vs $86,552). Des Plaines leads in crime level (3.3 vs 4.7).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Apex, NC | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.6 (#1082) | 76.4 (#348) |
| Population | 72,225 | 58,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $601,962 | $360,725 |
| Median Household Income | $129,688 | $86,552 |
| Average Commute | 23.9 min | 29.9 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 4.7 | 3.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 122 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+25.6 | D+42.0 |
C-
70.6 Score
Apex, NC
North Carolina community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$601,962
Population
72,225
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
26
Southeast
View Apex, NC →
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 →