Des Plaines, IL vs Union City, 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
Union City
60
#1943 nationally
Des Plaines leads in crime level (3.3 vs 11.2). Des Plaines leads in cost of living index (112 vs 201). Union City leads in median household income ($138,013 vs $86,552).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Union City, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.4 (#348) | 60 (#1943) |
| Population | 58,010 | 65,414 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $360,725 | $1,223,080 |
| Median Household Income | $86,552 | $138,013 |
| Average Commute | 29.9 min | 33 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 47 |
| Crime Level | 3.3 | 11.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 201 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+53.6 |
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-
60 Score
Union City, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,223,080
Population
65,414
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
47
Pacific
View Union City, CA →
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