2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Normal, IL vs Columbia, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Columbia older or younger than people in Normal?
- The Median Age in Columbia is 14.2 years older than in Normal.

Are housing costs cheaper in Columbia or Normal?
- Columbia housing costs are 27.6% more expensive than Normal housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Columbia or Normal?
- The average commute for residents of Columbia is 7.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of Normal.

Things to do in Normal?
Normal, Illinois is a vibrant city located in McLean County, just north of Bloomington-Normal. It is home to Illinois State University and has a bustling downtown area with numerous shops, restaurants, and businesses. Normal is a major hub in the region for healthcare, finance and education opportunities. There are abundant recreational options including natural areas, parks and trails that offer plenty of outdoor activities. A variety of cultural amenities are also available such as theater performances, festivals, art galleries and other entertainment venues that give residents something to do in their spare time. Normal is truly a wonderful place where people can come together to work, play, learn and live!

Things to do in Columbia?
Columbia, IL sits in Monroe County with a population close to 9,500 people. Here you can visit unique attractions such as Fort de Chartres State Historic Site boasting scenic vistas along the Mississippi River or go on leisurely strolls through LaRue Swamp Conservancy lined with various gardens & wetlands suitable for all ages!

 Normal, ILColumbia, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock11,090329,725,481
 Median Income$58,564  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$209,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.8  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Normal    5 Reviews

While not a perfect town by any stretch of the imagination, I have lived in Normal my entire life and I have to say that there are FAR worse places one could live. The  More

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Over 16 years ago

I would like to know more about the quality of education at Illinois State  More

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With relatively low crime, good schools and excellent access to higher education, Normal is a great place to raise a family. The city is trying to update its city center  More

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Reviews for Columbia    3 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I actually live in the next town over, but work full-time in Columbia, and it's a really nice town. It is the walking-est city I have ever seen; people enjoy riding  More

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Over 17 years ago

Columbia,Illinois has to be the most stuck up and unfriendly little one horse town i've ever lived in . People here feel that if you weren't born and raised here  More

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Over 17 years ago

Columbia, Illinois is located at the northern tip of Monroe County in Southwestern Illinois only about 12 miles from downtown St. Louis. 20 miles from Scott Air Force  More

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