Des Moines, IA vs Rolling Meadows, 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.
Des Moines
80.8
#61 nationally
Rolling Meadows
77.3
#260 nationally
Rolling Meadows leads in median household income ($91,287 vs $60,509). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 26.6 min). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 111).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Rolling Meadows, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 77.3 (#260) |
| Population | 214,133 | 23,329 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $342,521 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $91,287 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 26.6 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 42 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 2.7 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 111 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | D+42.0 |
B-
80.8 Score
Des Moines, IA
Insurance capital with surprising vibrancy
Median Home
$212,006
Population
214,133
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Midwest
View Des Moines, IA →
C+
77.3 Score
Rolling Meadows, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$342,521
Population
23,329
Crime
Low
Walk Score
42
Midwest
View Rolling Meadows, IL →
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