Central, LA vs Des Plaines, 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.
Des Plaines
76.4
#348 nationally
Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 7). Des Plaines leads in crime level (3.3 vs 7.1). Central leads in cost of living index (107 vs 112).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Central, LA | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,781 | 58,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $360,725 |
| Median Household Income | $82,714 | $86,552 |
| Average Commute | 30.8 min | 29.9 min |
| Walk Score | 7 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 7.1 | 3.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+11.1 | D+42.0 |
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Score
Central, LA
Small Louisiana city with local appeal
Population
29,781
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
7
Median Income
$82,714
Southeast
View Central, LA →
C
76.4 Score
Des Plaines, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$360,725
Population
58,010
Crime
Low
Walk Score
57
Midwest
View Des Plaines, IL →
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