Algonquin, 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.
Algonquin
74.9
#526 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Algonquin leads in crime level (1.6 vs 13.0). Algonquin leads in median household income ($129,658 vs $54,104). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 32.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Algonquin, IL | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.9 (#526) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 30,134 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $422,303 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $129,658 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 32.8 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 1.6 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 116 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+5.3 | D+1.2 |
C
74.9 Score
Algonquin, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$422,303
Population
30,134
Crime
Low
Walk Score
26
Midwest
View Algonquin, 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 →
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