Appleton, WI vs Dayton, OH
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.
Appleton
77.6
#227 nationally
Dayton
76
#394 nationally
Appleton leads in median household income ($75,469 vs $38,924). Dayton leads in cost of living index (78 vs 94). Appleton leads in average commute (19.4 min vs 21.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 76 (#394) |
| Population | 74,719 | 137,644 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $138,730 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $38,924 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 21.8 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 78 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | Even |
C+
77.6 Score
Appleton, WI
Wisconsin community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$309,058
Population
74,719
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Appleton, WI →
C
76 Score
Dayton, OH
Birthplace of Aviation
Median Home
$138,730
Population
137,644
Crime
High
Schools
C-
Midwest
View Dayton, OH →