Durham, NC vs Joliet, 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.
Durham
69.4
#1213 nationally
Joliet
75.7
#425 nationally
Durham leads in average commute (22.8 min vs 29.6 min). Joliet leads in median household income ($84,971 vs $67,432). Joliet leads in walk score (35 vs 33).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Durham, NC | Joliet, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.4 (#1213) | 75.7 (#425) |
| Population | 283,506 | 150,489 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $395,976 | $271,896 |
| Median Household Income | $67,432 | $84,971 |
| Average Commute | 22.8 min | 29.6 min |
| Walk Score | 33 | 35 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 9.6 |
| School Rating | 6.4 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+61.9 | D+1.6 |
D+
69.4 Score
Durham, NC
Bull City innovation and inclusion
Median Home
$395,976
Population
283,506
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B-
Southeast
View Durham, NC →
C
75.7 Score
Joliet, IL
Mid-size Illinois city with community character
Median Home
$271,896
Population
150,489
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
35
Midwest
View Joliet, IL →