Austin, MN vs San Marcos, TX
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.
Austin
83.9
#10 nationally
San Marcos
70.5
#1100 nationally
Austin leads in crime level (5.2 vs 9.8). Austin leads in average commute (17 min vs 23.7 min). Austin leads in median household income ($61,667 vs $47,394).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Austin, MN | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 83.9 (#10) | 70.5 (#1100) |
| Population | 26,171 | 71,569 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $193,110 | $310,480 |
| Median Household Income | $61,667 | $47,394 |
| Average Commute | 17 min | 23.7 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 5.2 | 9.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 100 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.5 | D+5.6 |
B
83.9 Score
Austin, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$193,110
Population
26,171
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Austin, MN →
C-
70.5 Score
San Marcos, TX
Texas community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$310,480
Population
71,569
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
39
Southwest
View San Marcos, TX →