Des Plaines, IL vs North Chicago, 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 Plaines
76.4
#348 nationally
North Chicago
79.5
#119 nationally
North Chicago leads in average commute (16.9 min vs 29.9 min). Des Plaines leads in median household income ($86,552 vs $52,011). Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 36).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | North Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.4 (#348) | 79.5 (#119) |
| Population | 58,010 | 30,416 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $360,725 | $226,134 |
| Median Household Income | $86,552 | $52,011 |
| Average Commute | 29.9 min | 16.9 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 36 |
| Crime Level | 3.3 | 4.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 95 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+20.8 |
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+
79.5 Score
North Chicago, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$226,134
Population
30,416
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View North Chicago, IL →
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