Marshalltown, IA 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.
Marshalltown
84.1
#8 nationally
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Marshalltown leads in cost of living index (84 vs 97). Marshalltown leads in crime level (8.1 vs 9.0). Marshalltown leads in walk score (43 vs 40).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Marshalltown, IA | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 84.1 (#8) | 76.8 (#316) |
| Population | 27,574 | 52,618 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $179,538 | $269,069 |
| Median Household Income | $65,000 | $63,965 |
| Average Commute | 17.4 min | 17.2 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | 9.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 84 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+15.6 | D+4.9 |
B
84.1 Score
Marshalltown, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$179,538
Population
27,574
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
43
Midwest
View Marshalltown, IA →
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 →