Lima, OH 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.
Lima
77
#289 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Waterloo leads in crime level (13.0 vs 20.8). Waterloo leads in median household income ($54,104 vs $41,824). Lima leads in walk score (42 vs 37).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lima, OH | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77 (#289) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 34,794 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $153,756 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $41,824 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 17.5 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 20.8 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 82 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+44.1 | D+1.2 |
C+
77 Score
Lima, OH
Small Ohio city with local appeal
Median Home
$153,756
Population
34,794
Crime
High
Walk Score
42
Midwest
View Lima, OH →
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 →