Normal, IL vs Rochester, NY
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
Rochester
71.9
#953 nationally
Normal leads in median household income ($63,965 vs $42,124). Rochester leads in walk score (59 vs 40). Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 21.2 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Normal, IL | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.8 (#316) | 71.9 (#953) |
| Population | 52,618 | 211,328 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $269,069 | $249,152 |
| Median Household Income | $63,965 | $42,124 |
| Average Commute | 17.2 min | 21.2 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 59 |
| Crime Level | 9.0 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+4.9 | D+19.1 |
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
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C-
71.9 Score
Rochester, NY
Flour City innovation hub
Median Home
$249,152
Population
211,328
Crime
High
Schools
C-
Northeast
View Rochester, NY →