Grand Rapids, MI vs Oak Forest, 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
Oak Forest
77.2
#270 nationally
Oak Forest leads in median household income ($89,758 vs $54,789). Grand Rapids leads in average commute (21.2 min vs 32.3 min). Grand Rapids leads in walk score (52 vs 36).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Oak Forest, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.4 (#738) | 77.2 (#270) |
| Population | 201,013 | 26,199 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,699 | $303,574 |
| Median Household Income | $54,789 | $89,758 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 32.3 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 36 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 2.4 |
| School Rating | 6.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 104 |
| 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
Oak Forest, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$303,574
Population
26,199
Crime
Low
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View Oak Forest, IL →
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