AreaScoop
Normal, IL

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Normal, IL

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Demographics

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 41
Population52,908
Foreign Born3.6%
Population Density2,834people per mi²
Median Age25.2 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
StableSince 2010, this city has held a relatively stable population and racial composition.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
B+
Good

Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

Cost of Living

79/100

21% below national average

A+

The Real Cost of Living in Normal, Illinois

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $16k$29k
Comfortable $39k$57k
Luxury $120k+$186k+
Elite (Top 5%) $158k+$245k+
Affordability Ratio

116%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A-
Hood Index scan area
Premium Lean78%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
40
Positive
40
Poor
13
Negative
20

Groceries

5 within 10 miles

1.4mi

Gas

0 within 10 miles

Hospital

3 within 20 miles

2.8mi

Airport

Advocate BroMenn Medical Center Heliport

1.2mi

Post Office

USPS — Bloomington, IL

2.4mi

Critical Amenities

Golf5Nearest 0.8 mi
Camping20Nearest 27.4 mi
Marina0Nearest 11.8 mi
Winery0 
Ice Rink1Nearest 2.5 mi
Gun Range4Nearest 2.4 mi

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
C-
Average

A middle-class area roughly in line with national averages across income, home values, education, and employment.

Median HHI
$66k+3.7%
12% below US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$559k
15% below US avg
College Educated
52.5%
50% above US avg
WFH
12.4%
13% below US avg
Homeownership
55.2%
16% below US avg
Median Home
$200k
29% below US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
A
Very Safe

Lower crime rates than 83% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
12.3
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
−12.3%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr−7.5%
Homicide
0.00 / 1k Residents100% below state avg
Robbery
0.15 / 1k Residents75% below state avg
Aggravated Assault
1.22 / 1k Residents1% above state avg

Property Crime

5yr−17.1%
Burglary
0.51 / 1k Residents66% below state avg
Larceny-Theft
9.76 / 1k Residents6% below state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
0.26 / 1k Residents88% below state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: D+3Tilts Liberal

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Normal, Illinois
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
F
Poor12.9% of income
Property Rights
C-
FairIJ Grade C-
Firearm Rights
F
PoorFPC Grade F
Homeschooling
A+
GreatNo notice required

Energy independence: Importer (45% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
A-
OpenFarm sales legal
Gambling Laws
A
Broadly OpenCasinos · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
A+
Fully LegalRecreational

Homesteading

Growing Season181 days250 frost-free
Annual Rainfall41.7"
Elevation810 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
C-
Exposed

Meaningful friction. Expect exposure to either population pressure, blast zones, or natural disaster risk. Consider buying a retreat property.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
D
Poor118 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
D-
Poor2,834/sq mi
Fallout Danger
C+
Weak5 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
F
PoorInland Flooding
Border / Coast
A+
Greatborder 384 mi · coast 679 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$81.3M/yrfor the county

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-19T07:08:06.000Z

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