Normal, IL vs South Bend, IN
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
South Bend
74.2
#628 nationally
Normal leads in crime level (9.0 vs 26.4). Normal leads in median household income ($63,965 vs $49,056). Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 20.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Normal, IL | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.8 (#316) | 74.2 (#628) |
| Population | 52,618 | 103,395 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $269,069 | $202,170 |
| Median Household Income | $63,965 | $49,056 |
| Average Commute | 17.2 min | 20.4 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 9.0 | 26.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 84 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+4.9 | D+1.5 |
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
74.2 Score
South Bend, IN
Mid-size Indiana city with community character
Median Home
$202,170
Population
103,395
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
42
Midwest
View South Bend, IN →