Normal, IL vs Portage, MI
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.
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Portage
73.7
#692 nationally
Normal leads in walk score (40 vs 20). Portage leads in crime level (7.6 vs 9.0). Portage leads in median household income ($74,837 vs $63,965).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Normal, IL | Portage, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.8 (#316) | 73.7 (#692) |
| Population | 52,618 | 49,302 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $269,069 | $304,854 |
| Median Household Income | $63,965 | $74,837 |
| Average Commute | 17.2 min | 19.7 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 20 |
| Crime Level | 9.0 | 7.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+4.9 | D+17.7 |
C
76.8 Score
Normal, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$269,069
Population
52,618
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
40
Midwest
View Normal, IL →
C
73.7 Score
Portage, MI
Small Michigan city with local appeal
Median Home
$304,854
Population
49,302
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
20
Midwest
View Portage, MI →