Des Moines, IA vs Hoffman Estates, 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 Moines
80.8
#61 nationally
Hoffman Estates
73
#796 nationally
Hoffman Estates leads in median household income ($107,428 vs $60,509). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 29.4 min). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 116).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Hoffman Estates, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 73 (#796) |
| Population | 214,133 | 50,179 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $412,578 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $107,428 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 29.4 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 35 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 4.1 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 116 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | D+42.0 |
B-
80.8 Score
Des Moines, IA
Insurance capital with surprising vibrancy
Median Home
$212,006
Population
214,133
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Midwest
View Des Moines, IA →
C
73 Score
Hoffman Estates, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$412,578
Population
50,179
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
35
Midwest
View Hoffman Estates, IL →
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