Independence, MO 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.
Independence
73.6
#702 nationally
Niles
74.4
#599 nationally
Niles leads in crime level (1.5 vs 15.6). Niles leads in walk score (65 vs 28). Niles leads in median household income ($75,783 vs $57,415).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Independence, MO | Niles, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.6 (#702) | 74.4 (#599) |
| Population | 120,922 | 29,513 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $214,173 | $422,795 |
| Median Household Income | $57,415 | $75,783 |
| Average Commute | 23.9 min | 28.2 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 65 |
| Crime Level | 15.6 | 1.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+19.3 | D+42.0 |
C
73.6 Score
Independence, MO
Mid-size Missouri city with community character
Median Home
$214,173
Population
120,922
Crime
High
Walk Score
28
Midwest
View Independence, MO →
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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