Central, LA 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.
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Waterloo leads in walk score (37 vs 7). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 30.8 min). Central leads in crime level (7.1 vs 13.0).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Central, LA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,781 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $82,714 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 30.8 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 7 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 7.1 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+11.1 | D+1.2 |
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Score
Central, LA
Small Louisiana city with local appeal
Population
29,781
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
7
Median Income
$82,714
Southeast
View Central, LA →
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 →