Normal, IL vs Omaha, NE
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.
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Omaha
74.7
#567 nationally
Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 20.4 min). Omaha leads in walk score (43 vs 40). Omaha leads in cost of living index (91 vs 97).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Normal, IL | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.8 (#316) | 74.7 (#567) |
| Population | 52,618 | 492,374 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $269,069 | $299,344 |
| Median Household Income | $63,965 | $65,562 |
| Average Commute | 17.2 min | 20.4 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 9.0 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.4 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 91 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+4.9 | D+10.2 |
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 →
C
74.7 Score
Omaha, NE
Warren Buffett's hometown with heartland values
Median Home
$299,344
Population
492,374
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B+
Midwest
View Omaha, NE →