Kalamazoo, 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.
Kalamazoo
71.9
#947 nationally
Niles
74.4
#599 nationally
Niles leads in crime level (1.5 vs 35.2). Kalamazoo leads in average commute (17.5 min vs 28.2 min). Niles leads in median household income ($75,783 vs $48,649).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Kalamazoo, MI | Niles, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71.9 (#947) | 74.4 (#599) |
| Population | 73,126 | 29,513 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $245,332 | $422,795 |
| Median Household Income | $48,649 | $75,783 |
| Average Commute | 17.5 min | 28.2 min |
| Walk Score | 47 | 65 |
| Crime Level | 35.2 | 1.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+17.7 | D+42.0 |
C-
71.9 Score
Kalamazoo, MI
Michigan community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$245,332
Population
73,126
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
47
Midwest
View Kalamazoo, 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 →