Appleton, WI vs DeKalb, 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.
Appleton
77.6
#227 nationally
DeKalb
71.1
#1018 nationally
Appleton leads in crime level (5.5 vs 10.8). Appleton leads in median household income ($75,469 vs $47,410). Appleton leads in average commute (19.4 min vs 22.5 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | DeKalb, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 71.1 (#1018) |
| Population | 74,719 | 40,211 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $266,477 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $47,410 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 22.5 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 38 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 10.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 98 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | D+2.0 |
C+
77.6 Score
Appleton, WI
Wisconsin community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$309,058
Population
74,719
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Appleton, WI →
C-
71.1 Score
DeKalb, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$266,477
Population
40,211
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
38
Midwest
View DeKalb, IL →