Waterloo, IA vs Wooster, OH
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.
Waterloo
81.8
#36 nationally
Wooster
76
#403 nationally
Wooster leads in crime level (7.8 vs 13.0). Wooster leads in median household income ($61,608 vs $54,104). Waterloo leads in walk score (37 vs 33).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Waterloo, IA | Wooster, OH |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.8 (#36) | 76 (#403) |
| Population | 66,606 | 27,030 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $149,005 | $267,893 |
| Median Household Income | $54,104 | $61,608 |
| Average Commute | 16.5 min | 16.8 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 13.0 | 7.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 92 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+1.2 | R+39.3 |
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 →
C
76 Score
Wooster, OH
Small Ohio city with local appeal
Median Home
$267,893
Population
27,030
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33
Midwest
View Wooster, OH →