Columbus, IN 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.
Columbus
81.7
#37 nationally
Des Plaines
76.4
#348 nationally
Columbus leads in crime level (0.4 vs 3.3). Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 29). Columbus leads in average commute (18.1 min vs 29.9 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.7 (#37) | 76.4 (#348) |
| Population | 51,522 | 58,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,533 | $360,725 |
| Median Household Income | $75,114 | $86,552 |
| Average Commute | 18.1 min | 29.9 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 0.4 | 3.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+27.3 | D+42.0 |
B-
81.7 Score
Columbus, IN
Indiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$281,533
Population
51,522
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
29
Midwest
View Columbus, IN →
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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