New Bern, NC 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.
New Bern
73.3
#758 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Waterloo leads in walk score (37 vs 27). New Bern leads in crime level (9.9 vs 13.0). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 18 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | New Bern, NC | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.3 (#758) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 32,226 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $286,045 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $55,673 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 18 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 27 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 9.9 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 95 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+20.5 | D+1.2 |
C
73.3 Score
New Bern, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$286,045
Population
32,226
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Southeast
View New Bern, NC →
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 →
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