Appleton, WI vs Des Moines, IA
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
Des Moines
80.8
#61 nationally
Appleton leads in median household income ($75,469 vs $60,509). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 94). Des Moines leads in walk score (45 vs 44).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 80.8 (#61) |
| Population | 74,719 | 214,133 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $212,006 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $60,509 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 45 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | D+10.9 |
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 →
B-
80.8 Score
Des Moines, IA
Insurance capital with surprising vibrancy
Median Home
$212,006
Population
214,133
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Midwest
View Des Moines, IA →
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