Appleton, WI vs Hays, KS
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
Hays
77.6
#231 nationally
Hays leads in average commute (11.8 min vs 19.4 min). Appleton leads in median household income ($75,469 vs $55,349). Appleton leads in crime level (5.5 vs 6.4).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Hays, KS |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 77.6 (#231) |
| Population | 74,719 | 21,040 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $257,712 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $55,349 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 11.8 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 6.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 95 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | R+46.1 |
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+
77.6 Score
Hays, KS
Small Kansas city with local appeal
Median Home
$257,712
Population
21,040
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Hays, KS →
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