Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Nothing Found
There are no cons to mention for this area, as all of the categories were rated above average.
Normal, Illinois is a mid-sized city with a population of 55,834 residents. According to the most recent Census, 81% of Normal residents are White, 12% Black and 4% Asian. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Normal residents is 25. In Normal, only 39% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Normal offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Normal could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Illinois if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like amenities, crime, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Normal and in the areas around Normal is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 86 out of 100, Normal is ranked #296 in the United States and #10 in Illinois. Clearly, Normal is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Normal has received high marks for amenities (B), crime (B+), cost of living (A-), education (B), employment (B-) and housing (A+).
Living in Normal offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Normal provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.
The unemployment rate in Normal has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.5%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Normal has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Normal real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Normal. Median real estate prices in Normal come in at $308,008, which is 0.2% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Normal, the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 0% lower than the Illinois average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Normal | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.3% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.1% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.8% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 8.1% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.1% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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