Palatine, IL 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.
Palatine
74.6
#575 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Palatine leads in crime level (1.8 vs 13.0). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 28.7 min). Palatine leads in median household income ($93,383 vs $54,104).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Palatine, IL | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.6 (#575) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 64,869 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $396,744 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $93,383 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 28.7 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 1.8 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+1.2 |
C
74.6 Score
Palatine, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$396,744
Population
64,869
Crime
Low
Walk Score
41
Midwest
View Palatine, IL →
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 →
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