Appleton, WI vs Plainfield, 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
Plainfield
74.9
#535 nationally
Plainfield leads in crime level (1.6 vs 5.5). Appleton leads in walk score (44 vs 20). Plainfield leads in median household income ($143,064 vs $75,469).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Plainfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 74.9 (#535) |
| Population | 74,719 | 47,448 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $432,279 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $143,064 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 33.9 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 20 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 1.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 124 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | D+1.6 |
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
74.9 Score
Plainfield, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$432,279
Population
47,448
Crime
Low
Walk Score
20
Midwest
View Plainfield, IL →
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