Golden, CO vs Plano, 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.
Golden
67.8
#1379 nationally
Plano
72.6
#865 nationally
Plano leads in cost of living index (107 vs 152). Golden leads in average commute (23.8 min vs 27.6 min). Plano leads in median household income ($99,936 vs $90,990).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Golden, CO | Plano, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.8 (#1379) | 72.6 (#865) |
| Population | 20,242 | 287,339 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $865,982 | $499,723 |
| Median Household Income | $90,990 | $99,936 |
| Average Commute | 23.8 min | 27.6 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 3.4 | Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 107 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+19.5 | R+11.2 |
D+
67.8 Score
Golden, CO
Small Colorado city with local appeal
Median Home
$865,982
Population
20,242
Crime
Low
Walk Score
42
West
View Golden, CO →
C-
72.6 Score
Plano, TX
Corporate opportunity meets family-friendly living
Median Home
$499,723
Population
287,339
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Southwest
View Plano, TX →