Decatur, IL vs Madison, WI
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
Madison
73.1
#790 nationally
Madison leads in median household income ($76,184 vs $49,039). Madison leads in walk score (48 vs 34). Decatur leads in cost of living index (85 vs 109).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Decatur, IL | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 79.3 (#132) | 73.1 (#790) |
| Population | 68,670 | 269,840 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $107,169 | $432,061 |
| Median Household Income | $49,039 | $76,184 |
| Average Commute | 17.7 min | 20.1 min |
| Walk Score | 34 | 48 |
| Crime Level | 16.5 | Moderate-Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 109 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+18.9 | D+51.7 |
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 →
C
73.1 Score
Madison, WI
Education excellence on the isthmus
Median Home
$432,061
Population
269,840
Crime
Moderate-Low
Schools
A-
Midwest
View Madison, WI →