Des Plaines, IL vs Helena, AL
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
Helena
74.5
#582 nationally
Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 12). Helena leads in crime level (2.0 vs 3.3). Helena leads in median household income ($107,360 vs $86,552).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Helena, AL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.4 (#348) | 74.5 (#582) |
| Population | 58,010 | 22,117 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $360,725 | $367,018 |
| Median Household Income | $86,552 | $107,360 |
| Average Commute | 29.9 min | 30.4 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 12 |
| Crime Level | 3.3 | 2.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 101 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | R+40.8 |
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
74.5 Score
Helena, AL
Small Alabama city with local appeal
Median Home
$367,018
Population
22,117
Crime
Low
Walk Score
12
Southeast
View Helena, AL →
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