Des Plaines, IL vs Hercules, CA
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
Hercules
63.3
#1776 nationally
Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 29). Des Plaines leads in cost of living index (112 vs 171). Hercules leads in median household income ($125,880 vs $86,552).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Hercules, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.4 (#348) | 63.3 (#1776) |
| Population | 58,010 | 26,582 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $360,725 | $743,984 |
| Median Household Income | $86,552 | $125,880 |
| Average Commute | 29.9 min | 40.4 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 29 |
| Crime Level | 3.3 | 4.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 171 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+38.0 |
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 →
D
63.3 Score
Hercules, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$743,984
Population
26,582
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Hercules, CA →
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