Big Spring, TX vs Des Moines, 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.
Big Spring
77.9
#207 nationally
Des Moines
80.8
#61 nationally
Des Moines leads in walk score (45 vs 21). Big Spring leads in median household income ($65,418 vs $60,509). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 19.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Big Spring, TX | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.9 (#207) | 80.8 (#61) |
| Population | 22,373 | 214,133 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $147,462 | $212,006 |
| Median Household Income | $65,418 | $60,509 |
| Average Commute | 19.8 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 21 | 45 |
| Crime Level | 20.9 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+62.8 | D+10.9 |
C+
77.9 Score
Big Spring, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$147,462
Population
22,373
Crime
High
Walk Score
21
Southwest
View Big Spring, TX →
B-
80.8 Score
Des Moines, IA
Insurance capital with surprising vibrancy
Median Home
$212,006
Population
214,133
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Midwest
View Des Moines, IA →