Appleton, WI vs Carol Stream, 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.
Appleton
77.6
#227 nationally
Carol Stream
75.4
#460 nationally
Carol Stream leads in crime level (1.9 vs 5.5). Appleton leads in average commute (19.4 min vs 29.3 min). Carol Stream leads in median household income ($103,525 vs $75,469).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Carol Stream, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 75.4 (#460) |
| Population | 74,719 | 38,966 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $388,952 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $103,525 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 29.3 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 36 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 1.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 113 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | D+13.3 |
C+
77.6 Score
Appleton, WI
Wisconsin community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$309,058
Population
74,719
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Appleton, WI →
C
75.4 Score
Carol Stream, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$388,952
Population
38,966
Crime
Low
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View Carol Stream, IL →
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