Decatur, IL vs Joliet, 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.
Decatur
79.3
#132 nationally
Joliet
75.7
#425 nationally
Joliet leads in median household income ($84,971 vs $49,039). Joliet leads in crime level (9.6 vs 16.5). Decatur leads in average commute (17.7 min vs 29.6 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Decatur, IL | Joliet, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 79.3 (#132) | 75.7 (#425) |
| Population | 68,670 | 150,489 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $107,169 | $271,896 |
| Median Household Income | $49,039 | $84,971 |
| Average Commute | 17.7 min | 29.6 min |
| Walk Score | 34 | 35 |
| Crime Level | 16.5 | 9.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+18.9 | D+1.6 |
C+
79.3 Score
Decatur, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$107,169
Population
68,670
Crime
High
Walk Score
34
Midwest
View Decatur, IL →
C
75.7 Score
Joliet, IL
Mid-size Illinois city with community character
Median Home
$271,896
Population
150,489
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
35
Midwest
View Joliet, IL →