Aiken, SC 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.
Aiken
69.5
#1191 nationally
Marion
80.8
#63 nationally
Marion leads in crime level (3.4 vs 15.6). Marion leads in walk score (32 vs 24). Marion leads in median household income ($81,519 vs $65,712).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.5 (#1191) | 80.8 (#63) |
| Population | 32,947 | 42,213 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,439 | $281,229 |
| Median Household Income | $65,712 | $81,519 |
| Average Commute | 23.2 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 24 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 15.6 | 3.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+25.9 | D+9.9 |
D+
69.5 Score
Aiken, SC
Small South Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$281,439
Population
32,947
Crime
High
Walk Score
24
Southeast
View Aiken, SC →
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 →