Helena, AL 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.
Helena
74.5
#582 nationally
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Helena leads in crime level (2.0 vs 9.0). Normal leads in walk score (40 vs 12). Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 30.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Helena, AL | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.5 (#582) | 76.8 (#316) |
| Population | 22,117 | 52,618 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $367,018 | $269,069 |
| Median Household Income | $107,360 | $63,965 |
| Average Commute | 30.4 min | 17.2 min |
| Walk Score | 12 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 2.0 | 9.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+40.8 | D+4.9 |
C
74.5 Score
Helena, AL
Small Alabama city with local appeal
Median Home
$367,018
Population
22,117
Crime
Low
Walk Score
12
Southeast
View Helena, AL →
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 →