Des Moines, IA vs Irving, 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
Irving
73.1
#789 nationally
Irving leads in median household income ($76,686 vs $60,509). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 23.8 min). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 103).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Irving, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 73.1 (#789) |
| Population | 214,133 | 254,373 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $343,364 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $76,686 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 23.8 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 45 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 7.5 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 103 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | D+22.2 |
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
73.1 Score
Irving, TX
Growing Texas city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$343,364
Population
254,373
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
45
Southwest
View Irving, TX →
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