Fairfield, CA vs Palatine, 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.
Fairfield
62.9
#1812 nationally
Palatine
74.6
#575 nationally
Palatine leads in crime level (1.8 vs 13.6). Palatine leads in cost of living index (115 vs 151). Palatine leads in average commute (28.7 min vs 32.3 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Fairfield, CA | Palatine, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.9 (#1812) | 74.6 (#575) |
| Population | 120,768 | 64,869 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $605,863 | $396,744 |
| Median Household Income | $98,857 | $93,383 |
| Average Commute | 32.3 min | 28.7 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 13.6 | 1.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 151 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.0 | D+42.0 |
D-
62.9 Score
Fairfield, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$605,863
Population
120,768
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
37
Pacific
View Fairfield, CA →
C
74.6 Score
Palatine, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$396,744
Population
64,869
Crime
Low
Walk Score
41
Midwest
View Palatine, IL →
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