Appleton, WI vs Downers Grove, 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
Downers Grove
73.6
#697 nationally
Downers Grove leads in crime level (3.1 vs 5.5). Downers Grove leads in median household income ($115,461 vs $75,469). Appleton leads in average commute (19.4 min vs 28.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Downers Grove, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 73.6 (#697) |
| Population | 74,719 | 49,706 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $513,663 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $115,461 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 28.1 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 44 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 3.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 125 |
| 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
73.6 Score
Downers Grove, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$513,663
Population
49,706
Crime
Low
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Downers Grove, IL →
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