Normal, IL vs Sterling Heights, MI
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
Sterling Heights
72.7
#851 nationally
Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 26 min). Sterling Heights leads in crime level (6.3 vs 9.0). Normal leads in walk score (40 vs 33).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Normal, IL | Sterling Heights, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.8 (#316) | 72.7 (#851) |
| Population | 52,618 | 133,306 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $269,069 | $313,695 |
| Median Household Income | $63,965 | $75,381 |
| Average Commute | 17.2 min | 26 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 9.0 | 6.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 101 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+4.9 | R+13.7 |
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-
72.7 Score
Sterling Heights, MI
Mid-size Michigan city with community character
Median Home
$313,695
Population
133,306
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33
Midwest
View Sterling Heights, MI →
Try a different matchup
Swap Normal for:
Swap Sterling Heights for: