Des Moines, IA vs Houston, 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.
Des Moines
80.8
#61 nationally
Houston
72.1
#926 nationally
Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 28.5 min). Des Moines leads in school rating (7.2 vs 5.5). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 96).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 72.1 (#926) |
| Population | 214,133 | 2,314,157 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $263,563 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $57,791 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 48 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | Moderate-High |
| School Rating | 7.2 | 5.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | D+5.5 |
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-
72.1 Score
Houston, TX
Space City with global energy
Median Home
$263,563
Population
2,314,157
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C
Southwest
View Houston, TX →
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