Austin, MN vs Normal, IL
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.
Austin
83.9
#10 nationally
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Austin leads in crime level (5.2 vs 9.0). Normal leads in walk score (40 vs 37). Austin leads in cost of living index (91 vs 97).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Austin, MN | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 83.9 (#10) | 76.8 (#316) |
| Population | 26,171 | 52,618 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $193,110 | $269,069 |
| Median Household Income | $61,667 | $63,965 |
| Average Commute | 17 min | 17.2 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 5.2 | 9.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.5 | D+4.9 |
B
83.9 Score
Austin, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$193,110
Population
26,171
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Austin, MN →
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 →