Topeka, KS 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.
Topeka
73.5
#729 nationally
Watertown
74.5
#590 nationally
Watertown leads in crime level (8.3 vs 23.5). Watertown leads in average commute (13.6 min vs 17.1 min). Watertown leads in median household income ($61,320 vs $54,052).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Topeka, KS | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.5 (#729) | 74.5 (#590) |
| Population | 125,475 | 23,230 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $198,385 | $316,022 |
| Median Household Income | $54,052 | $61,320 |
| Average Commute | 17.1 min | 13.6 min |
| Walk Score | N/A | 36 |
| Crime Level | 23.5 | 8.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | Even | R+40.8 |
Data coverage note: Topeka is missing data for 1 metric that Watertown has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
C
73.5 Score
Topeka, KS
Mid-size Kansas city with community character
Median Home
$198,385
Population
125,475
Crime
High
Median Income
$54,052
Midwest
View Topeka, KS →
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 →