Joliet, IL vs Lancaster, CA
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.
Joliet
75.7
#425 nationally
Lancaster
61.5
#1905 nationally
Joliet leads in crime level (9.6 vs 22.9). Joliet leads in cost of living index (102 vs 126). Joliet leads in walk score (35 vs 29).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Joliet, IL | Lancaster, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.7 (#425) | 61.5 (#1905) |
| Population | 150,489 | 166,236 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $271,896 | $465,459 |
| Median Household Income | $84,971 | $71,367 |
| Average Commute | 29.6 min | 30.9 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 29 |
| Crime Level | 9.6 | 22.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 126 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+1.6 | D+32.9 |
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 →
D-
61.5 Score
Lancaster, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$465,459
Population
166,236
Crime
High
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Lancaster, CA →