Grand Rapids, MI vs Northbrook, 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
Northbrook
77.2
#269 nationally
Northbrook leads in median household income ($150,236 vs $54,789). Grand Rapids leads in cost of living index (91 vs 152). Northbrook leads in walk score (83 vs 52).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Northbrook, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.4 (#738) | 77.2 (#269) |
| Population | 201,013 | 33,977 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,699 | $718,284 |
| Median Household Income | $54,789 | $150,236 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 28.6 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 83 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 0.5 |
| School Rating | 6.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 152 |
| 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+
77.2 Score
Northbrook, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$718,284
Population
33,977
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
83
Midwest
View Northbrook, IL →
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