Appleton, WI vs Highland Park, 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
Highland Park
72.8
#827 nationally
Highland Park leads in crime level (1.4 vs 5.5). Highland Park leads in median household income ($159,567 vs $75,469). Appleton leads in cost of living index (94 vs 146).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Highland Park, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 72.8 (#827) |
| Population | 74,719 | 30,272 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $802,430 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $159,567 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 28.8 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 1.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 146 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | D+20.8 |
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-
72.8 Score
Highland Park, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$802,430
Population
30,272
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
42
Midwest
View Highland Park, IL →
Try a different matchup
Swap Appleton for: