Dayton, 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.
Dayton
76
#394 nationally
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Normal leads in median household income ($63,965 vs $38,924). Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 21.8 min). Dayton leads in cost of living index (78 vs 97).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Dayton, OH | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76 (#394) | 76.8 (#316) |
| Population | 137,644 | 52,618 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $138,730 | $269,069 |
| Median Household Income | $38,924 | $63,965 |
| Average Commute | 21.8 min | 17.2 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 40 |
| Crime Level | High | 9.0 |
| School Rating | 4.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 78 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | Even | D+4.9 |
C
76 Score
Dayton, OH
Birthplace of Aviation
Median Home
$138,730
Population
137,644
Crime
High
Schools
C-
Midwest
View Dayton, 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 →