Lansing, IL 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.
Lansing
78.3
#185 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 31.1 min). Lansing leads in walk score (48 vs 37). Lansing leads in median household income ($68,766 vs $54,104).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lansing, IL | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 78.3 (#185) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 27,713 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $201,273 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $68,766 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 31.1 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 10.7 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 95 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+1.2 |
C+
78.3 Score
Lansing, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$201,273
Population
27,713
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
48
Midwest
View Lansing, IL →
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 →