Carteret, NJ 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.
Carteret
66
#1591 nationally
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 32 min). Carteret leads in walk score (56 vs 40). Normal leads in cost of living index (97 vs 125).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carteret, NJ | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66 (#1591) | 76.8 (#316) |
| Population | 25,281 | 52,618 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $567,711 | $269,069 |
| Median Household Income | $79,049 | $63,965 |
| Average Commute | 32 min | 17.2 min |
| Walk Score | 56 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 8.6 | 9.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+8.0 | D+4.9 |
D
66 Score
Carteret, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$567,711
Population
25,281
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
56
Northeast
View Carteret, NJ →
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 →