DeKalb, IL vs Merrillville, IN
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.
DeKalb
71.1
#1018 nationally
Merrillville
72.6
#860 nationally
DeKalb leads in walk score (38 vs 23). DeKalb leads in average commute (22.5 min vs 31.7 min). Merrillville leads in crime level (7.8 vs 10.8).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | DeKalb, IL | Merrillville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71.1 (#1018) | 72.6 (#860) |
| Population | 40,211 | 36,347 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $266,477 | $246,742 |
| Median Household Income | $47,410 | $62,221 |
| Average Commute | 22.5 min | 31.7 min |
| Walk Score | 38 | 23 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 7.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.0 | D+5.6 |
C-
71.1 Score
DeKalb, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$266,477
Population
40,211
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
38
Midwest
View DeKalb, IL →
C-
72.6 Score
Merrillville, IN
Small Indiana city with local appeal
Median Home
$246,742
Population
36,347
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
23
Midwest
View Merrillville, IN →
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