Ferndale, MI vs Watertown, SD
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.
Ferndale
82.8
#19 nationally
Watertown
74.5
#590 nationally
Watertown leads in average commute (13.6 min vs 26.1 min). Ferndale leads in walk score (67 vs 36). Ferndale leads in crime level (5.6 vs 8.3).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ferndale, MI | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 82.8 (#19) | 74.5 (#590) |
| Population | 19,083 | 23,230 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $254,401 | $316,022 |
| Median Household Income | $86,120 | $61,320 |
| Average Commute | 26.1 min | 13.6 min |
| Walk Score | 67 | 36 |
| Crime Level | 5.6 | 8.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.6 | R+40.8 |
B-
82.8 Score
Ferndale, MI
Small Michigan city with local appeal
Median Home
$254,401
Population
19,083
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
67
Midwest
View Ferndale, MI →
C
74.5 Score
Watertown, SD
Small South Dakota city with local appeal
Median Home
$316,022
Population
23,230
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View Watertown, SD →