Hackensack, NJ vs Waukegan, 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.
Hackensack
70.1
#1135 nationally
Waukegan
74.8
#557 nationally
Hackensack leads in crime level (6.8 vs 12.2). Hackensack leads in walk score (73 vs 49). Waukegan leads in cost of living index (96 vs 126).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hackensack, NJ | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.1 (#1135) | 74.8 (#557) |
| Population | 45,736 | 87,642 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $473,422 | $249,468 |
| Median Household Income | $79,133 | $66,077 |
| Average Commute | 29.1 min | 26.9 min |
| Walk Score | 73 | 49 |
| Crime Level | 6.8 | 12.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+3.4 | D+20.8 |
C-
70.1 Score
Hackensack, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$473,422
Population
45,736
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
73
Northeast
View Hackensack, NJ →
C
74.8 Score
Waukegan, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$249,468
Population
87,642
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
49
Midwest
View Waukegan, IL →
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