Mesquite, 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.
Mesquite
71.8
#958 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 32.1 min). Mesquite leads in median household income ($69,649 vs $54,104). Waterloo leads in cost of living index (88 vs 98).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Mesquite, TX | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71.8 (#958) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 147,317 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $261,109 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $69,649 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 32.1 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 13.7 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+22.2 | D+1.2 |
C-
71.8 Score
Mesquite, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$261,109
Population
147,317
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
35
Southwest
View Mesquite, 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 →
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