Gary, IN 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.
Gary
78.2
#190 nationally
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Normal leads in median household income ($63,965 vs $36,874). Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 27.4 min). Normal leads in crime level (9.0 vs 13.5).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Gary, IN | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 78.2 (#190) | 76.8 (#316) |
| Population | 67,652 | 52,618 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $88,085 | $269,069 |
| Median Household Income | $36,874 | $63,965 |
| Average Commute | 27.4 min | 17.2 min |
| Walk Score | 32 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 13.5 | 9.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 81 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.6 | D+4.9 |
C+
78.2 Score
Gary, IN
Indiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$88,085
Population
67,652
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
32
Midwest
View Gary, IN →
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 →