Appleton, WI vs Fresno, CA
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
Fresno
66.6
#1521 nationally
Appleton leads in crime level (5.5 vs 20.1). Appleton leads in cost of living index (94 vs 123). Appleton leads in median household income ($75,469 vs $63,001).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 66.6 (#1521) |
| Population | 74,719 | 545,716 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $390,993 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $63,001 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 22.3 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 47 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 20.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 123 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | R+4.4 |
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
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D
66.6 Score
Fresno, CA
Major California city with a diverse economy
Median Home
$390,993
Population
545,716
Crime
High
Walk Score
47
Pacific
View Fresno, CA →