Ames, IA vs Grayslake, 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.
Ames
76.2
#367 nationally
Grayslake
76.3
#362 nationally
Grayslake leads in crime level (1.8 vs 4.1). Grayslake leads in median household income ($110,662 vs $57,428). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 28.7 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Grayslake, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 76.3 (#362) |
| Population | 65,686 | 20,954 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $374,561 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $110,662 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 28.7 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 1.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 108 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+20.8 |
C
76.2 Score
Ames, IA
Iowa community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$306,337
Population
65,686
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
42
Midwest
View Ames, IA →
C
76.3 Score
Grayslake, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$374,561
Population
20,954
Crime
Low
Walk Score
28
Midwest
View Grayslake, IL →