Springfield, MO 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.
Springfield
70.1
#1138 nationally
Waukegan
74.8
#557 nationally
Waukegan leads in crime level (12.2 vs 32.3). Waukegan leads in median household income ($66,077 vs $43,450). Springfield leads in average commute (18.1 min vs 26.9 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Springfield, MO | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.1 (#1138) | 74.8 (#557) |
| Population | 170,188 | 87,642 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $246,969 | $249,468 |
| Median Household Income | $43,450 | $66,077 |
| Average Commute | 18.1 min | 26.9 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 49 |
| Crime Level | 32.3 | 12.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+20.8 | D+20.8 |
C-
70.1 Score
Springfield, MO
Mid-size Missouri city with community character
Median Home
$246,969
Population
170,188
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Springfield, MO →
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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