Brookings, SD vs Carol Stream, 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.
Brookings
77.7
#220 nationally
Carol Stream
75.4
#460 nationally
Brookings leads in average commute (12.6 min vs 29.3 min). Carol Stream leads in median household income ($103,525 vs $57,824). Carol Stream leads in crime level (1.9 vs 2.3).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Carol Stream, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.7 (#220) | 75.4 (#460) |
| Population | 24,312 | 38,966 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $327,724 | $388,952 |
| Median Household Income | $57,824 | $103,525 |
| Average Commute | 12.6 min | 29.3 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 36 |
| Crime Level | 2.3 | 1.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 113 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+17.4 | D+13.3 |
C+
77.7 Score
Brookings, SD
Small South Dakota city with local appeal
Median Home
$327,724
Population
24,312
Crime
Low
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Brookings, SD →
C
75.4 Score
Carol Stream, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$388,952
Population
38,966
Crime
Low
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View Carol Stream, IL →