Fairborn, OH 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.
Fairborn
78.2
#189 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Fairborn leads in crime level (7.5 vs 13.0). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 20.6 min). Waterloo leads in walk score (37 vs 32).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Fairborn, OH | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 78.2 (#189) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 34,729 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $210,326 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $53,783 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 20.6 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 32 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 7.5 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+19.8 | D+1.2 |
C+
78.2 Score
Fairborn, OH
Small Ohio city with local appeal
Median Home
$210,326
Population
34,729
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
32
Midwest
View Fairborn, OH →
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 →
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