Modesto, CA vs Waukegan, 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.
Modesto
64.2
#1712 nationally
Waukegan
74.8
#557 nationally
Waukegan leads in crime level (12.2 vs 18.0). Waukegan leads in cost of living index (96 vs 130). Modesto leads in median household income ($73,375 vs $66,077).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Modesto, CA | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1712) | 74.8 (#557) |
| Population | 218,915 | 87,642 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $447,153 | $249,468 |
| Median Household Income | $73,375 | $66,077 |
| Average Commute | 29.4 min | 26.9 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 49 |
| Crime Level | 18.0 | 12.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | D+20.8 |
D
64.2 Score
Modesto, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$447,153
Population
218,915
Crime
High
Walk Score
48
Pacific
View Modesto, CA →
C
74.8 Score
Waukegan, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$249,468
Population
87,642
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
49
Midwest
View Waukegan, IL →