Des Moines, IA vs High Point, NC
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.
Des Moines
80.8
#61 nationally
High Point
72.9
#808 nationally
Des Moines leads in walk score (45 vs 23). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 95). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 20.7 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | High Point, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 72.9 (#808) |
| Population | 214,133 | 116,926 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $251,120 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $58,582 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 20.7 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 23 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 12.5 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 95 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | D+21.8 |
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 →
C-
72.9 Score
High Point, NC
Mid-size North Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$251,120
Population
116,926
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
23
Southeast
View High Point, NC →
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