Austin, MN vs Des Plaines, 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.
Austin
83.9
#10 nationally
Des Plaines
76.4
#348 nationally
Austin leads in average commute (17 min vs 29.9 min). Des Plaines leads in crime level (3.3 vs 5.2). Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 37).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Austin, MN | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 83.9 (#10) | 76.4 (#348) |
| Population | 26,171 | 58,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $193,110 | $360,725 |
| Median Household Income | $61,667 | $86,552 |
| Average Commute | 17 min | 29.9 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 5.2 | 3.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.5 | D+42.0 |
B
83.9 Score
Austin, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$193,110
Population
26,171
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Austin, MN →
C
76.4 Score
Des Plaines, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$360,725
Population
58,010
Crime
Low
Walk Score
57
Midwest
View Des Plaines, IL →
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