Norfolk, NE 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.
Norfolk
79.2
#140 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Norfolk leads in crime level (5.5 vs 13.0). Norfolk leads in average commute (12.7 min vs 16.5 min). Norfolk leads in walk score (40 vs 37).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Norfolk, NE | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 79.2 (#140) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 26,147 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $264,740 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $57,479 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 12.7 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+56.0 | D+1.2 |
C+
79.2 Score
Norfolk, NE
Small Nebraska city with local appeal
Median Home
$264,740
Population
26,147
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
40
Midwest
View Norfolk, NE →
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 →