Appleton, WI vs Sanford, ME
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
Sanford
68
#1363 nationally
Appleton leads in average commute (19.4 min vs 27.5 min). Sanford leads in crime level (4.3 vs 5.5). Appleton leads in cost of living index (94 vs 103).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Sanford, ME |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 68 (#1363) |
| Population | 74,719 | 22,251 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $378,830 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $71,848 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 27.5 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | N/A |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 4.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 103 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | D+10.5 |
Data coverage note: Sanford is missing data for 1 metric that Appleton has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
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 →
D+
68 Score
Sanford, ME
Small Maine city with local appeal
Median Home
$378,830
Population
22,251
Crime
Moderate-Low
Median Income
$71,848
Northeast
View Sanford, ME →