Rochester, NY 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.
Rochester
71.9
#953 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Rochester leads in walk score (59 vs 37). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 21.2 min). Waterloo leads in median household income ($54,104 vs $42,124).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71.9 (#953) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 211,328 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $249,152 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $42,124 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 59 | 37 |
| Crime Level | High | 13.0 |
| School Rating | 4.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+19.1 | D+1.2 |
C-
71.9 Score
Rochester, NY
Flour City innovation hub
Median Home
$249,152
Population
211,328
Crime
High
Schools
C-
Northeast
View Rochester, NY →
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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