Des Moines, IA 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.
Des Moines
80.8
#61 nationally
Wheaton
75.2
#497 nationally
Wheaton leads in median household income ($113,523 vs $60,509). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 126). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 26.5 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 75.2 (#497) |
| Population | 214,133 | 52,938 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $518,505 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $113,523 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 26.5 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 40 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 1.4 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 126 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | D+13.3 |
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
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 →
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