Evanston, IL 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.
Evanston
74.7
#562 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Evanston leads in crime level (3.9 vs 13.0). Evanston leads in walk score (76 vs 37). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 29 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Evanston, IL | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.7 (#562) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 75,070 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $494,604 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $93,188 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 29 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 76 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 3.9 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 131 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+1.2 |
C
74.7 Score
Evanston, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$494,604
Population
75,070
Crime
Low
Walk Score
76
Midwest
View Evanston, IL →
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 →