Appleton, WI vs Melrose Park, 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
Melrose Park
73.7
#688 nationally
Melrose Park leads in walk score (68 vs 44). Appleton leads in crime level (5.5 vs 8.3). Appleton leads in average commute (19.4 min vs 26.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Melrose Park, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 73.7 (#688) |
| Population | 74,719 | 23,666 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $326,590 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $64,400 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 26.8 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 68 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 8.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | D+42.0 |
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
73.7 Score
Melrose Park, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$326,590
Population
23,666
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
68
Midwest
View Melrose Park, IL →
Try a different matchup
Swap Appleton for: