Normal, IL vs Valparaiso, IN
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
Valparaiso
73.7
#693 nationally
Valparaiso leads in crime level (1.8 vs 9.0). Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 23.4 min). Normal leads in median household income ($63,965 vs $59,943).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Normal, IL | Valparaiso, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.8 (#316) | 73.7 (#693) |
| Population | 52,618 | 34,627 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $269,069 | $364,451 |
| Median Household Income | $63,965 | $59,943 |
| Average Commute | 17.2 min | 23.4 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 9.0 | 1.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 98 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+4.9 | R+10.5 |
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
Valparaiso, IN
Small Indiana city with local appeal
Median Home
$364,451
Population
34,627
Crime
Low
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Valparaiso, IN →