Des Moines, IA vs Laredo, 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
Laredo
76.6
#332 nationally
Des Moines leads in walk score (45 vs 37). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 21.3 min). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 93).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Laredo, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 76.6 (#332) |
| Population | 214,133 | 257,602 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $223,127 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $60,928 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 21.3 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 37 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 10.0 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 93 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | R+2.2 |
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
76.6 Score
Laredo, TX
Growing Texas city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$223,127
Population
257,602
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
37
Southwest
View Laredo, TX →