Des Plaines, IL vs Waterloo, 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
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Des Plaines leads in crime level (3.3 vs 13.0). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 29.9 min). Des Plaines leads in median household income ($86,552 vs $54,104).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.4 (#348) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 58,010 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $360,725 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $86,552 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 29.9 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 3.3 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+1.2 |
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-
81.8 Score
Waterloo, IA
Iowa community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$149,005
Population
66,606
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Waterloo, IA →
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