Hays, KS 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.
Hays
77.6
#231 nationally
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Hays leads in average commute (11.8 min vs 17.2 min). Hays leads in crime level (6.4 vs 9.0). Normal leads in median household income ($63,965 vs $55,349).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hays, KS | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#231) | 76.8 (#316) |
| Population | 21,040 | 52,618 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $257,712 | $269,069 |
| Median Household Income | $55,349 | $63,965 |
| Average Commute | 11.8 min | 17.2 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 6.4 | 9.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 95 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+46.1 | D+4.9 |
C+
77.6 Score
Hays, KS
Small Kansas city with local appeal
Median Home
$257,712
Population
21,040
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Hays, KS →
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 →
Try a different matchup
Swap Hays for: