Des Plaines, IL vs Golden Valley, MN
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
Golden Valley
75.7
#424 nationally
Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 28). Golden Valley leads in crime level (1.8 vs 3.3). Golden Valley leads in average commute (20.2 min vs 29.9 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Golden Valley, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.4 (#348) | 75.7 (#424) |
| Population | 58,010 | 21,211 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $360,725 | $446,491 |
| Median Household Income | $86,552 | $110,026 |
| Average Commute | 29.9 min | 20.2 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 3.3 | 1.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+42.6 |
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 →
C
75.7 Score
Golden Valley, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$446,491
Population
21,211
Crime
Low
Walk Score
28
Midwest
View Golden Valley, MN →
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