Niles, IL 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.
Niles
74.4
#599 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Niles leads in crime level (1.5 vs 13.0). Niles leads in walk score (65 vs 37). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 28.2 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Niles, IL | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.4 (#599) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 29,513 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $422,795 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $75,783 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 28.2 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 65 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 1.5 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+1.2 |
C
74.4 Score
Niles, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$422,795
Population
29,513
Crime
Low
Walk Score
65
Midwest
View Niles, IL →
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 →