Brookings, SD vs Palatine, 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.
Brookings
77.7
#220 nationally
Palatine
74.6
#575 nationally
Brookings leads in average commute (12.6 min vs 28.7 min). Palatine leads in median household income ($93,383 vs $57,824). Palatine leads in crime level (1.8 vs 2.3).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Palatine, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.7 (#220) | 74.6 (#575) |
| Population | 24,312 | 64,869 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $327,724 | $396,744 |
| Median Household Income | $57,824 | $93,383 |
| Average Commute | 12.6 min | 28.7 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 2.3 | 1.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+17.4 | D+42.0 |
C+
77.7 Score
Brookings, SD
Small South Dakota city with local appeal
Median Home
$327,724
Population
24,312
Crime
Low
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Brookings, SD →
C
74.6 Score
Palatine, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$396,744
Population
64,869
Crime
Low
Walk Score
41
Midwest
View Palatine, IL →