Brea, CA 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.
Brea
64.3
#1700 nationally
Downers Grove
73.6
#697 nationally
Downers Grove leads in crime level (3.1 vs 5.8). Downers Grove leads in cost of living index (125 vs 178). Brea leads in walk score (50 vs 44).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brea, CA | Downers Grove, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1700) | 73.6 (#697) |
| Population | 48,479 | 49,706 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,134,146 | $513,663 |
| Median Household Income | $120,226 | $115,461 |
| Average Commute | 31.1 min | 28.1 min |
| Walk Score | 50 | 44 |
| Crime Level | 5.8 | 3.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 178 | 125 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.6 | D+13.3 |
D
64.3 Score
Brea, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,134,146
Population
48,479
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
50
Pacific
View Brea, CA →
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 →