Appleton, WI vs Johnston, 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
Johnston
76
#397 nationally
Johnston leads in crime level (2.1 vs 5.5). Appleton leads in walk score (44 vs 21). Johnston leads in median household income ($98,324 vs $75,469).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 76 (#397) |
| Population | 74,719 | 24,640 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $402,429 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $98,324 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 18.3 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 21 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 2.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 110 |
| 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 →
C
76 Score
Johnston, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$402,429
Population
24,640
Crime
Low
Walk Score
21
Midwest
View Johnston, IA →