Normal, IL vs Waterloo, IA
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
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Normal leads in crime level (9.0 vs 13.0). Normal leads in median household income ($63,965 vs $54,104). Waterloo leads in cost of living index (88 vs 97).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Normal, IL | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.8 (#316) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 52,618 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $269,069 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $63,965 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 17.2 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 9.0 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+4.9 | D+1.2 |
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 →
B-
81.8 Score
Waterloo, IA
Iowa community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$149,005
Population
66,606
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Waterloo, IA →