Lowell, MA 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.
Lowell
67.3
#1437 nationally
Niles
74.4
#599 nationally
Niles leads in crime level (1.5 vs 14.6). Niles leads in cost of living index (115 vs 126). Niles leads in median household income ($75,783 vs $73,008).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lowell, MA | Niles, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.3 (#1437) | 74.4 (#599) |
| Population | 114,296 | 29,513 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $492,877 | $422,795 |
| Median Household Income | $73,008 | $75,783 |
| Average Commute | 27.2 min | 28.2 min |
| Walk Score | 67 | 65 |
| Crime Level | 14.6 | 1.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+42.0 |
D+
67.3 Score
Lowell, MA
Mid-size Massachusetts city with community character
Median Home
$492,877
Population
114,296
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
67
Northeast
View Lowell, MA →
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 →