Elizabeth, 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.
Elizabeth
66.6
#1519 nationally
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Elizabeth leads in walk score (80 vs 40). Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 26.7 min). Normal leads in cost of living index (97 vs 126).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.6 (#1519) | 76.8 (#316) |
| Population | 135,829 | 52,618 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $548,370 | $269,069 |
| Median Household Income | $59,939 | $63,965 |
| Average Commute | 26.7 min | 17.2 min |
| Walk Score | 80 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 11.2 | 9.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+24.2 | D+4.9 |
D
66.6 Score
Elizabeth, NJ
Mid-size New Jersey city with community character
Median Home
$548,370
Population
135,829
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
80
Northeast
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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 →