Normal, IL vs Urbandale, 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.
Normal
76.8
#316 nationally
Urbandale
80.3
#85 nationally
Urbandale leads in crime level (2.4 vs 9.0). Urbandale leads in median household income ($111,888 vs $63,965). Normal leads in walk score (40 vs 32).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Normal, IL | Urbandale, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.8 (#316) | 80.3 (#85) |
| Population | 52,618 | 46,729 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $269,069 | $354,918 |
| Median Household Income | $63,965 | $111,888 |
| Average Commute | 17.2 min | 19 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 9.0 | 2.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+4.9 | D+10.9 |
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 →
B-
80.3 Score
Urbandale, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$354,918
Population
46,729
Crime
Low
Walk Score
32
Midwest
View Urbandale, IA →