Marion, 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.
Marion
77.4
#248 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 20.1 min). Waterloo leads in median household income ($54,104 vs $44,879). Marion leads in crime level (12.2 vs 13.0).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Marion, OH | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.4 (#248) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 35,531 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $169,702 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $44,879 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 20.1 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 12.2 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+41.4 | D+1.2 |
C+
77.4 Score
Marion, OH
Small Ohio city with local appeal
Median Home
$169,702
Population
35,531
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Marion, 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 →