Columbus, GA 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.
Columbus
76.2
#370 nationally
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Normal leads in crime level (9.0 vs 16.5). Normal leads in walk score (40 vs 25). Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 20.2 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbus, GA | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#370) | 76.8 (#316) |
| Population | 201,877 | 52,618 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $174,343 | $269,069 |
| Median Household Income | $54,561 | $63,965 |
| Average Commute | 20.2 min | 17.2 min |
| Walk Score | 25 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 16.5 | 9.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.4 | D+4.9 |
C
76.2 Score
Columbus, GA
Growing Georgia city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$174,343
Population
201,877
Crime
High
Walk Score
25
Southeast
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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 →