Monroe, MI 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.
Monroe
76.7
#324 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 22.4 min). Monroe leads in walk score (48 vs 37). Monroe leads in crime level (12.0 vs 13.0).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Monroe, MI | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.7 (#324) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 20,089 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $224,777 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $57,779 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 22.4 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 12.0 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+27.1 | D+1.2 |
C
76.7 Score
Monroe, MI
Small Michigan city with local appeal
Median Home
$224,777
Population
20,089
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
48
Midwest
View Monroe, MI →
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 →