Northfield, MN 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.
Northfield
73.6
#708 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Northfield leads in crime level (4.2 vs 13.0). Northfield leads in median household income ($83,125 vs $54,104). Waterloo leads in walk score (37 vs 31).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Northfield, MN | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.6 (#708) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 21,020 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $396,746 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $83,125 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 4.2 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.5 | D+1.2 |
C
73.6 Score
Northfield, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$396,746
Population
21,020
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
31
Midwest
View Northfield, MN →
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 →
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