Des Plaines, IL vs Independence, KY
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
Independence
77
#288 nationally
Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 11). Independence leads in crime level (0.7 vs 3.3). Independence leads in cost of living index (96 vs 112).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Independence, KY |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.4 (#348) | 77 (#288) |
| Population | 58,010 | 29,503 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $360,725 | $331,613 |
| Median Household Income | $86,552 | $92,355 |
| Average Commute | 29.9 min | 27.4 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 11 |
| Crime Level | 3.3 | 0.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | R+21.7 |
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+
77 Score
Independence, KY
Small Kentucky city with local appeal
Median Home
$331,613
Population
29,503
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
11
Southeast
View Independence, KY →
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