Stow, OH 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.
Stow
78.5
#178 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Stow leads in crime level (3.2 vs 13.0). Waterloo leads in walk score (37 vs 22). Stow leads in median household income ($89,805 vs $54,104).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Stow, OH | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 78.5 (#178) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 33,957 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $292,715 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $89,805 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 25.4 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 22 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 3.2 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+7.0 | D+1.2 |
C+
78.5 Score
Stow, OH
Small Ohio city with local appeal
Median Home
$292,715
Population
33,957
Crime
Low
Walk Score
22
Midwest
View Stow, OH →
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 →