Des Plaines, IL vs Grand Rapids, MI
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 Plaines
76.4
#348 nationally
Grand Rapids
73.4
#738 nationally
Des Plaines leads in median household income ($86,552 vs $54,789). Grand Rapids leads in average commute (21.2 min vs 29.9 min). Grand Rapids leads in cost of living index (91 vs 112).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.4 (#348) | 73.4 (#738) |
| Population | 58,010 | 201,013 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $360,725 | $311,699 |
| Median Household Income | $86,552 | $54,789 |
| Average Commute | 29.9 min | 21.2 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 52 |
| Crime Level | 3.3 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 6.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 91 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+5.4 |
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 →
C
73.4 Score
Grand Rapids, MI
Beer City USA with West Michigan charm
Median Home
$311,699
Population
201,013
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Midwest
View Grand Rapids, MI →
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