Ferndale, MI vs Niles, 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.
Ferndale
82.8
#19 nationally
Niles
74.4
#599 nationally
Niles leads in crime level (1.5 vs 5.6). Ferndale leads in cost of living index (99 vs 115). Ferndale leads in median household income ($86,120 vs $75,783).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ferndale, MI | Niles, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 82.8 (#19) | 74.4 (#599) |
| Population | 19,083 | 29,513 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $254,401 | $422,795 |
| Median Household Income | $86,120 | $75,783 |
| Average Commute | 26.1 min | 28.2 min |
| Walk Score | 67 | 65 |
| Crime Level | 5.6 | 1.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.6 | D+42.0 |
B-
82.8 Score
Ferndale, MI
Small Michigan city with local appeal
Median Home
$254,401
Population
19,083
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
67
Midwest
View Ferndale, MI →
C
74.4 Score
Niles, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$422,795
Population
29,513
Crime
Low
Walk Score
65
Midwest
View Niles, IL →