Lansing, MI 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.
Lansing
76.6
#331 nationally
Marion
80.8
#63 nationally
Marion leads in crime level (3.4 vs 36.9). Marion leads in median household income ($81,519 vs $50,747). Lansing leads in walk score (46 vs 32).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.6 (#331) | 80.8 (#63) |
| Population | 112,115 | 42,213 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $170,959 | $281,229 |
| Median Household Income | $50,747 | $81,519 |
| Average Commute | 19.3 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 46 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 36.9 | 3.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+3.1 | D+9.9 |
C
76.6 Score
Lansing, MI
Mid-size Michigan city with community character
Median Home
$170,959
Population
112,115
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
46
Midwest
View Lansing, MI →
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 →