Waco, TX 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.
Waco
77.1
#281 nationally
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Waterloo leads in median household income ($54,104 vs $47,421). Waco leads in crime level (11.7 vs 13.0). Waterloo leads in average commute (16.5 min vs 17.5 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Waco, TX | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.1 (#281) | 81.8 (#36) |
| Population | 144,816 | 66,606 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $197,359 | $149,005 |
| Median Household Income | $47,421 | $54,104 |
| Average Commute | 17.5 min | 16.5 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 11.7 | 13.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+30.9 | D+1.2 |
C+
77.1 Score
Waco, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$197,359
Population
144,816
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
35
Southwest
View Waco, TX →
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 →