Ann Arbor, MI vs Normal, 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.
Ann Arbor
72.9
#803 nationally
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Ann Arbor leads in walk score (57 vs 40). Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 20.8 min). Normal leads in cost of living index (97 vs 114).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.9 (#803) | 76.8 (#316) |
| Population | 123,851 | 52,618 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $536,036 | $269,069 |
| Median Household Income | $73,018 | $63,965 |
| Average Commute | 20.8 min | 17.2 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 40 |
| Crime Level | Low | 9.0 |
| School Rating | 8.9 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 114 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+44.4 | D+4.9 |
C-
72.9 Score
Ann Arbor, MI
A quintessential college town with big-city culture
Median Home
$536,036
Population
123,851
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Midwest
View Ann Arbor, MI →
C
76.8 Score
Normal, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$269,069
Population
52,618
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
40
Midwest
View Normal, IL →