Hercules, CA vs Joliet, 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.
Hercules
63.3
#1776 nationally
Joliet
75.7
#425 nationally
Hercules leads in crime level (4.6 vs 9.6). Joliet leads in cost of living index (102 vs 171). Hercules leads in median household income ($125,880 vs $84,971).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hercules, CA | Joliet, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.3 (#1776) | 75.7 (#425) |
| Population | 26,582 | 150,489 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $743,984 | $271,896 |
| Median Household Income | $125,880 | $84,971 |
| Average Commute | 40.4 min | 29.6 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 35 |
| Crime Level | 4.6 | 9.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 171 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+38.0 | D+1.6 |
D
63.3 Score
Hercules, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$743,984
Population
26,582
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Hercules, CA →
C
75.7 Score
Joliet, IL
Mid-size Illinois city with community character
Median Home
$271,896
Population
150,489
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
35
Midwest
View Joliet, IL →