Normal, IL vs State College, PA
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
State College
72.8
#834 nationally
State College leads in crime level (4.2 vs 9.0). State College leads in walk score (68 vs 40). Normal leads in median household income ($63,965 vs $43,459).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Normal, IL | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.8 (#316) | 72.8 (#834) |
| Population | 52,618 | 40,687 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $269,069 | $421,721 |
| Median Household Income | $63,965 | $43,459 |
| Average Commute | 17.2 min | 16.2 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 68 |
| Crime Level | 9.0 | 4.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 119 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+4.9 | D+2.8 |
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-
72.8 Score
State College, PA
Small Pennsylvania city with local appeal
Median Home
$421,721
Population
40,687
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
68
Northeast
View State College, PA →
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