Owensboro, KY 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.
Owensboro
78.6
#170 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Owensboro leads in crime level (9.6 vs 13.0). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 17.5 min). Waterloo leads in median household income ($54,104 vs $51,982).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Owensboro, KY | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 78.6 (#170) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 60,140 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $214,982 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $51,982 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 17.5 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 36 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 9.6 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+31.9 | D+1.2 |
C+
78.6 Score
Owensboro, KY
Kentucky community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$214,982
Population
60,140
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
36
Southeast
View Owensboro, KY →
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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