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.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
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.
Nothing Found
There are no cons to mention for this area, as all of the categories were rated above average.
Normal is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 54,699 inhabitants. With a population density of 3,049 people per square mile, Normal is well above the nation's average density level. The majority of Normal residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and 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. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Normal, only 39% of the population is married. 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.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Normal is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Illinois, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Normal and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, commute, education, employment and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Normal has received a livability score of 85/100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a fantastic score, as Normal ranks well in multiple categories! Normal has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Normal has received high marks for amenities (B), crime (A-), cost of living (B+), education (B+) and housing (B+).
If you're living in Normal, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Normal an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Normal has an unemployment rate of 2.41% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Normal excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Normal is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Normal come in at $169,300, which is 3.1% 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 2.9, which is 3.3% lower than the Illinois average.
| 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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