Appleton, WI vs Rock Island, 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
Rock Island
81.7
#39 nationally
Appleton leads in crime level (5.5 vs 14.9). Appleton leads in median household income ($75,469 vs $55,732). Rock Island leads in cost of living index (89 vs 94).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Rock Island, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 81.7 (#39) |
| Population | 74,719 | 36,132 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $129,626 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $55,732 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 44 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 14.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 89 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | D+9.6 |
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 →
B-
81.7 Score
Rock Island, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$129,626
Population
36,132
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Rock Island, IL →
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