Plano, TX 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.
Plano
72.6
#865 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Plano leads in median household income ($99,936 vs $54,104). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 27.6 min). Waterloo leads in cost of living index (88 vs 107).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Plano, TX | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.6 (#865) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 287,339 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $499,723 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $99,936 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 37 |
| Crime Level | Low | 13.0 |
| School Rating | 8.5 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.2 | D+1.2 |
C-
72.6 Score
Plano, TX
Corporate opportunity meets family-friendly living
Median Home
$499,723
Population
287,339
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Southwest
View Plano, TX →
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 →