Cary, NC vs Hoffman Estates, 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.
Cary
72.1
#924 nationally
Hoffman Estates
73
#796 nationally
Cary leads in crime level (1.9 vs 4.1). Cary leads in average commute (22.8 min vs 29.4 min). Hoffman Estates leads in walk score (35 vs 28).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Cary, NC | Hoffman Estates, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.1 (#924) | 73 (#796) |
| Population | 180,010 | 50,179 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $628,913 | $412,578 |
| Median Household Income | $125,317 | $107,428 |
| Average Commute | 22.8 min | 29.4 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 35 |
| Crime Level | 1.9 | 4.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 116 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+25.6 | D+42.0 |
C-
72.1 Score
Cary, NC
Mid-size North Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$628,913
Population
180,010
Crime
Low
Walk Score
28
Southeast
View Cary, NC →
C
73 Score
Hoffman Estates, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$412,578
Population
50,179
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
35
Midwest
View Hoffman Estates, IL →
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