Joliet, IL vs Salem, MA
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.
Joliet
75.7
#425 nationally
Salem
68.6
#1307 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (4.2 vs 9.6). Salem leads in walk score (70 vs 35). Joliet leads in cost of living index (102 vs 135).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Joliet, IL | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.7 (#425) | 68.6 (#1307) |
| Population | 150,489 | 44,744 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $271,896 | $614,321 |
| Median Household Income | $84,971 | $79,196 |
| Average Commute | 29.6 min | 30.6 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 70 |
| Crime Level | 9.6 | 4.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 135 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+1.6 | D+20.3 |
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 →
D+
68.6 Score
Salem, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$614,321
Population
44,744
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
70
Northeast
View Salem, MA →