Dayton, OH vs Wheaton, 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.
Dayton
76
#394 nationally
Wheaton
75.2
#497 nationally
Wheaton leads in median household income ($113,523 vs $38,924). Dayton leads in cost of living index (78 vs 126). Dayton leads in average commute (21.8 min vs 26.5 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Dayton, OH | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76 (#394) | 75.2 (#497) |
| Population | 137,644 | 52,938 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $138,730 | $518,505 |
| Median Household Income | $38,924 | $113,523 |
| Average Commute | 21.8 min | 26.5 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 40 |
| Crime Level | High | 1.4 |
| School Rating | 4.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 78 | 126 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | Even | D+13.3 |
C
76 Score
Dayton, OH
Birthplace of Aviation
Median Home
$138,730
Population
137,644
Crime
High
Schools
C-
Midwest
View Dayton, OH →
C
75.2 Score
Wheaton, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$518,505
Population
52,938
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
40
Midwest
View Wheaton, IL →