Columbia, SC vs Des Plaines, 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.
Columbia
73.8
#670 nationally
Des Plaines
76.4
#348 nationally
Des Plaines leads in crime level (3.3 vs 21.1). Columbia leads in average commute (17.4 min vs 29.9 min). Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 35).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.8 (#670) | 76.4 (#348) |
| Population | 142,416 | 58,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $230,662 | $360,725 |
| Median Household Income | $54,095 | $86,552 |
| Average Commute | 17.4 min | 29.9 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 21.1 | 3.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+33.5 | D+42.0 |
C
73.8 Score
Columbia, SC
Mid-size South Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$230,662
Population
142,416
Crime
High
Walk Score
35
Southeast
View Columbia, SC →
C
76.4 Score
Des Plaines, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$360,725
Population
58,010
Crime
Low
Walk Score
57
Midwest
View Des Plaines, IL →
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