Normal, IL vs Zachary, LA
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
Zachary
73.7
#694 nationally
Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 27.6 min). Zachary leads in median household income ($88,811 vs $63,965). Normal leads in cost of living index (97 vs 107).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Normal, IL | Zachary, LA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.8 (#316) | 73.7 (#694) |
| Population | 52,618 | 19,968 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $269,069 | $269,521 |
| Median Household Income | $63,965 | $88,811 |
| Average Commute | 17.2 min | 27.6 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | N/A |
| Crime Level | 9.0 | 9.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 107 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+4.9 | D+11.1 |
Data coverage note: Zachary is missing data for 1 metric that Normal has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
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
Zachary, LA
Small Louisiana city with local appeal
Median Home
$269,521
Population
19,968
Crime
Moderate
Median Income
$88,811
Southeast
View Zachary, LA →