Grand Rapids, MI vs Niles, 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.
Grand Rapids
73.4
#738 nationally
Niles
74.4
#599 nationally
Niles leads in median household income ($75,783 vs $54,789). Grand Rapids leads in average commute (21.2 min vs 28.2 min). Grand Rapids leads in cost of living index (91 vs 115).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Niles, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.4 (#738) | 74.4 (#599) |
| Population | 201,013 | 29,513 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,699 | $422,795 |
| Median Household Income | $54,789 | $75,783 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 28.2 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 65 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 1.5 |
| School Rating | 6.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.4 | D+42.0 |
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 →
C
74.4 Score
Niles, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$422,795
Population
29,513
Crime
Low
Walk Score
65
Midwest
View Niles, IL →
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