Lubbock, TX 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.
Lubbock
77
#290 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Waterloo leads in crime level (13.0 vs 22.5). Waterloo leads in cost of living index (88 vs 96). Lubbock leads in median household income ($58,734 vs $54,104).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lubbock, TX | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77 (#290) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 266,878 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,191 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $58,734 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 16.1 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 22.5 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+39.5 | D+1.2 |
C+
77 Score
Lubbock, TX
Growing Texas city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$212,191
Population
266,878
Crime
High
Walk Score
39
Southwest
View Lubbock, TX →
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 →