IllinoisPop. 53,569Smaller cities
Is Normal a Good Place to Live? Normal, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Normal ranks #525 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #239 of 524 smaller cities and #23 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.5 min, #22 of 524) and low rents ($965/mo, #34 of 524), and trails on high poverty (21.4%, #472 of 524) and low household income ($64,785, #397 of 524).
Normal by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Normal's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Normal?
Normal's cost of living index is 93.5, 6% below the US level of 100 and #398 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $965/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $267,616, 10% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Normal | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93.5#398 of 1,308 | 99 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $267,616#292 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,397/mo#253 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $213,600#272 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $965/mo#171 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.9%#231 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Normal housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Normal is in the Bloomington, IL metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Normal safe?
Normal recorded 290 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 373 and 26% below Illinois's 393. That ranks #546 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #240 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Normal Police Department. Property crime runs 1,639 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Normal | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 290#546 of 1,083 | 393 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,639#541 of 1,083 | 1,680 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Normal?
The median household in Normal earns $64,785, 16% below the US figure of $76,827 and 17% below Illinois ($78,304). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Normal | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $64,785#931 of 1,312 | $78,304 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 21.4%#1161 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Normal?
The median resident of Normal is 25 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #214 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Normal | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 25 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 52.9%#214 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 54.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Normal's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Normal; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $16,620 per pupil. 35.2% of adults are obese and 8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Normal | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,620#441 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.2%#789 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8%#105 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.3%#1200 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.3%#414 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 9,869 students are enrolled in Normal's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Normal?
The average commute in Normal is 16.5 minutes (Illinois 25); 1.4% of workers take transit and 13.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Normal scores 12.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.9°F and winters 27.6°F, with 39.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Normal | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 16.5 min#113 of 1,312 | 25 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 10.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 69.9% | 68.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.4% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 8.1% | 2.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 13.4% | 12.1% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.2#453 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33.4 | 15.6 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 38.2 | 18.9 | 2 |
| Mar | 49.8 | 27.8 | 2.6 |
| Apr | 62.8 | 37.9 | 3.7 |
| May | 74 | 49.8 | 4.8 |
| Jun | 83.3 | 59.9 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 86 | 63 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 84.4 | 60.8 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 78.8 | 53 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 65.6 | 41.8 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 50.2 | 30.7 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 38.3 | 21.4 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Normal 4ne.
| Measure | Normal | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 27.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 39.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Normal 4ne.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Normal?
McLean County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts McLean County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Normal | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#491 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for McLean County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, McLean County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.016% | 76% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0047% | 69% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0053% | 67% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0032% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.085% | 55% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Normal compare with similar-size cities?
Normal is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #239 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 53,569.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal, ILPop. 53,569 | #525 | 57.7 | $64,785 | $965/mo | 290 | 16.5 min |
| Colton, CAPop. 53,772 | #1085 | 48.2 | $71,208 | $1,661/mo | 345 | 27.5 min |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #830 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 | 18.5 min |
| Pinellas Park, FLPop. 53,560 | #708 | 54.8 | $63,432 | $1,631/mo | 247 | 22.5 min |
| Methuen Town, MAPop. 53,475 | #171 | 65.3 | $113,310 | $1,749/mo | 114 | 27.7 min |
| Galveston, TXPop. 53,424 | #1086 | 48.2 | $55,631 | $1,298/mo | 506 | 20.2 min |
| Eagle Mountain, UTPop. 53,290 | #451 | 59.0 | $113,648 | $2,020/mo | no data | 32.3 min |
| Aspen Hill, MDPop. 53,279 | #266 | 62.8 | $111,575 | $1,916/mo | no data | 34.1 min |
| Edina, MNPop. 53,262 | #25 | 72.2 | $128,767 | $1,844/mo | 52 | 20.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Normal compare with the rest of Illinois?
Normal ranks #23 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 57.7 against Illinois's statewide 52. Its households earn 17% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% below the typical Illinois home.
| City | Rank in IL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, ILPop. 150,692 | #1 | 73.2 | $155,105 | $1,885/mo | 70 |
| Wheaton, ILPop. 53,557 | #2 | 72.0 | $120,008 | $1,799/mo | 34 |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #3 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #4 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #5 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #6 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #7 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 |
| Skokie, ILPop. 66,219 | #8 | 68.7 | $95,337 | $1,552/mo | 151 |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #9 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #10 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 |
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | … #19 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #20 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 |
| Chicago, ILPop. 2,711,226 | #21 | 58.7 | $77,902 | $1,440/mo | 420 |
| Cicero, ILPop. 82,797 | #22 | 58.0 | $70,842 | $1,154/mo | 222 |
| Normal, ILPop. 53,569 | #23 | 57.7 | $64,785 | $965/mo | 290 |
| Joliet, ILPop. 150,445 | #24 | 56.6 | $92,201 | $1,276/mo | 344 |
| Waukegan, ILPop. 89,076 | #25 | 55.0 | $71,919 | $1,205/mo | 375 |
| Springfield, ILPop. 113,330 | #26 | 51.1 | $66,064 | $975/mo | 895 |
| Peoria, ILPop. 112,169 | #27 | 46.5 | $59,410 | $1,005/mo | 1,256 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Normal among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $78,304, violent crime 393 per 100,000.
How is Normal's score calculated?
Normal scores 57.7 out of 100, #525 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Illinois's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Normal. Similar-size median 55.5.
48.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Normal's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
76.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Normal. Similar-size median 58.9.
53.1 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Normal's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Normal's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
80.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Normal. Similar-size median 56.1.
28.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Normal. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Normal. Similar-size median 50.0.
61.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Normal's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
58.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
58.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Normal's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Normal has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Normal
Is Normal, IL a good place to live?
Normal ranks #525 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #239 of 524 smaller cities and #23 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.5 min, #22 of 524) and low rents ($965/mo, #34 of 524), and trails on high poverty (21.4%, #472 of 524) and low household income ($64,785, #397 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Normal?
Normal's cost of living index is 93.5, 6% below the US level of 100 and #398 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $965/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $267,616, 10% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Normal?
Normal recorded 290 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 373 and 26% below Illinois's 393. That ranks #546 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #240 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Normal Police Department. Property crime runs 1,639 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Normal?
The median household in Normal earns $64,785, 16% below the US figure of $76,827 and 17% below Illinois ($78,304). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Normal?
Median rent in Normal is $965/mo (Census), #171 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,397/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Normal?
Zillow's typical home value in Normal is $267,616, down 0.2% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $213,600.
How are the public schools in Normal?
There is no city graduation rate for Normal; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $16,620 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Normal?
The average commute is 16.5 minutes, #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25 minutes across Illinois. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Normal?
Normal averages 51.1°F over the year, 72.9°F in summer and 27.6°F in winter, with 39.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Normal walkable?
Normal scores 12.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Normal at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts McLean County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Normal?
McLean County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Normal?
Normal has 53,569 residents. The median resident of Normal is 25 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #214 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Normal compare with the rest of Illinois?
Normal ranks #23 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 57.7 against Illinois's statewide 52. Its households earn 17% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% below the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Normal?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Normal's population of 53,569 are Colton, CA (#1085 overall), Elkhart, IN (#830 overall), Pinellas Park, FL (#708 overall), Methuen Town, MA (#171 overall), and Galveston, TX (#1086 overall). Normal is #525.