Garner, NC vs Marion, IA
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.
Garner
68.5
#1312 nationally
Marion
80.8
#63 nationally
Marion leads in crime level (3.4 vs 9.8). Marion leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 27.8 min). Marion leads in walk score (32 vs 23).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Garner, NC | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.5 (#1312) | 80.8 (#63) |
| Population | 35,265 | 42,213 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $385,396 | $281,229 |
| Median Household Income | $77,171 | $81,519 |
| Average Commute | 27.8 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 23 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 9.8 | 3.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+25.6 | D+9.9 |
D+
68.5 Score
Garner, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$385,396
Population
35,265
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
23
Southeast
View Garner, NC →
B-
80.8 Score
Marion, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$281,229
Population
42,213
Crime
Low
Walk Score
32
Midwest
View Marion, IA →