Grand Rapids, MI 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.
Grand Rapids
73.4
#738 nationally
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Grand Rapids leads in walk score (52 vs 40). Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 21.2 min). Normal leads in median household income ($63,965 vs $54,789).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.4 (#738) | 76.8 (#316) |
| Population | 201,013 | 52,618 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,699 | $269,069 |
| Median Household Income | $54,789 | $63,965 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 17.2 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 40 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 9.0 |
| School Rating | 6.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.4 | D+4.9 |
C
73.4 Score
Grand Rapids, MI
Beer City USA with West Michigan charm
Median Home
$311,699
Population
201,013
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Midwest
View Grand Rapids, MI →
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 →
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