Carol Stream, IL vs Des Moines, WA
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.
Carol Stream
75.4
#460 nationally
Des Moines
64.6
#1684 nationally
Carol Stream leads in crime level (1.9 vs 8.1). Carol Stream leads in median household income ($103,525 vs $81,362). Carol Stream leads in cost of living index (113 vs 133).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carol Stream, IL | Des Moines, WA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.4 (#460) | 64.6 (#1684) |
| Population | 38,966 | 31,988 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $388,952 | $607,792 |
| Median Household Income | $103,525 | $81,362 |
| Average Commute | 29.3 min | 30.2 min |
| Walk Score | 36 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 1.9 | 8.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 113 | 133 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.3 | D+51.7 |
C
75.4 Score
Carol Stream, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$388,952
Population
38,966
Crime
Low
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View Carol Stream, IL →
D
64.6 Score
Des Moines, WA
Small Washington city with local appeal
Median Home
$607,792
Population
31,988
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Des Moines, WA →
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