Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Nothing Found
There are no cons identified for this area, as none of the categories received a poor score.
Des Plaines, Illinois is a mid-sized city with a population of 60,159 residents. Des Plaines has a population density of 4,194 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (75% White). Given that fact, Des Plaines could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Des Plaines entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 30 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Des Plaines could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Illinois if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, commute, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Des Plaines and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Des Plaines to Illinois and the national average.
Des Plaines, IL receives 81 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #67 in Illinois and #1,332 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Des Plaines ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Des Plaines also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Des Plaines has received high marks for amenities (B-), crime (A+), education (B-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Des Plaines. The following was graded with a disappointing score: cost of living (D-).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Des Plaines, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Des Plaines undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Des Plaines gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 121 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Des Plaines can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Des Plaines is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Des Plaines come in at $485,435, which is 57.3% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Des Plaines, the home price to income ratio is 4.4, which is 25.7% higher than the Illinois average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Des Plaines | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 30min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.0% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.2% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.6% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.1% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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