Crystal, MN vs Waterloo, 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.
Crystal
75
#509 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Crystal leads in crime level (7.7 vs 13.0). Crystal leads in median household income ($86,288 vs $54,104). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 24 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Crystal, MN | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75 (#509) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 21,906 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $323,618 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $86,288 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 24 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 7.7 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.6 | D+1.2 |
C
75 Score
Crystal, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$323,618
Population
21,906
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Crystal, MN →
B-
81.8 Score
Waterloo, IA
Iowa community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$149,005
Population
66,606
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Waterloo, IA →
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