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

vs

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