Des Plaines, IL vs Urbandale, IA
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
Urbandale
80.3
#85 nationally
Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 32). Urbandale leads in average commute (19 min vs 29.9 min). Urbandale leads in crime level (2.4 vs 3.3).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Urbandale, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.4 (#348) | 80.3 (#85) |
| Population | 58,010 | 46,729 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $360,725 | $354,918 |
| Median Household Income | $86,552 | $111,888 |
| Average Commute | 29.9 min | 19 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 3.3 | 2.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+10.9 |
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 →
B-
80.3 Score
Urbandale, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$354,918
Population
46,729
Crime
Low
Walk Score
32
Midwest
View Urbandale, IA →
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