Abilene, TX vs Carmel, IN
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Abilene
77.5
#236 nationally
Carmel
74.5
#579 nationally
Carmel leads in median household income ($121,400 vs $59,254). Abilene leads in average commute (15.2 min vs 23.5 min). Abilene leads in cost of living index (93 vs 108).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Carmel, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.5 (#236) | 74.5 (#579) |
| Population | 129,043 | 104,776 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $222,710 | $580,014 |
| Median Household Income | $59,254 | $121,400 |
| Average Commute | 15.2 min | 23.5 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 11.6 | Very Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 108 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+49.8 | R+6.1 |
C+
77.5 Score
Abilene, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$222,710
Population
129,043
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
31
Southwest
View Abilene, TX →
C
74.5 Score
Carmel, IN
Award-winning city planning meets Midwestern charm
Median Home
$580,014
Population
104,776
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A
Midwest
View Carmel, IN →