Murphy, TX 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.
Murphy
72.9
#811 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Murphy leads in crime level (1.2 vs 13.0). Waterloo leads in walk score (37 vs 13). Murphy leads in median household income ($152,847 vs $54,104).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Murphy, TX | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.9 (#811) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 20,920 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $573,140 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $152,847 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 32.4 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 13 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 1.2 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.2 | D+1.2 |
C-
72.9 Score
Murphy, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$573,140
Population
20,920
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
13
Southwest
View Murphy, TX →
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 →