Central, LA vs Decatur, 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.
Decatur
79.3
#132 nationally
Decatur leads in walk score (34 vs 7). Central leads in crime level (7.1 vs 16.5). Decatur leads in average commute (17.7 min vs 30.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Central, LA | Decatur, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,781 | 68,670 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $107,169 |
| Median Household Income | $82,714 | $49,039 |
| Average Commute | 30.8 min | 17.7 min |
| Walk Score | 7 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 7.1 | 16.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 85 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+11.1 | R+18.9 |
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Score
Central, LA
Small Louisiana city with local appeal
Population
29,781
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
7
Median Income
$82,714
Southeast
View Central, LA →
C+
79.3 Score
Decatur, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$107,169
Population
68,670
Crime
High
Walk Score
34
Midwest
View Decatur, IL →