Pekin, IL vs Waukee, IA
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.
Pekin
80.5
#73 nationally
Waukee
77.3
#263 nationally
Waukee leads in crime level (3.9 vs 10.8). Waukee leads in median household income ($106,846 vs $52,507). Pekin leads in cost of living index (88 vs 106).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Pekin, IL | Waukee, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.5 (#73) | 77.3 (#263) |
| Population | 31,126 | 31,645 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $145,264 | $343,274 |
| Median Household Income | $52,507 | $106,846 |
| Average Commute | 21.8 min | 19.6 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | N/A |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 3.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+26.7 | R+4.8 |
Data coverage note: Waukee is missing data for 1 metric that Pekin has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
B-
80.5 Score
Pekin, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$145,264
Population
31,126
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Pekin, IL →
C+
77.3 Score
Waukee, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$343,274
Population
31,645
Crime
Low
Median Income
$106,846
Midwest
View Waukee, IA →