Athens, OH 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.
Athens
80.9
#58 nationally
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Athens leads in crime level (2.6 vs 9.0). Athens leads in walk score (78 vs 40). Normal leads in median household income ($63,965 vs $34,493).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Athens, OH | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.9 (#58) | 76.8 (#316) |
| Population | 24,673 | 52,618 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $250,164 | $269,069 |
| Median Household Income | $34,493 | $63,965 |
| Average Commute | 16.2 min | 17.2 min |
| Walk Score | 78 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 2.6 | 9.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.8 | D+4.9 |
B-
80.9 Score
Athens, OH
Small Ohio city with local appeal
Median Home
$250,164
Population
24,673
Crime
Low
Walk Score
78
Midwest
View Athens, OH →
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 →