Appleton, WI vs Carmel, IN
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.
Appleton
77.6
#227 nationally
Carmel
74.5
#579 nationally
Carmel leads in median household income ($121,400 vs $75,469). Appleton leads in walk score (44 vs 28). Appleton leads in average commute (19.4 min vs 23.5 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Carmel, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 74.5 (#579) |
| Population | 74,719 | 104,776 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $580,014 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $121,400 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 23.5 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | Very Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 108 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | R+6.1 |
C+
77.6 Score
Appleton, WI
Wisconsin community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$309,058
Population
74,719
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Appleton, WI →
C
74.5 Score
Carmel, IN
Award-winning city planning meets Midwestern charm
Median Home
$580,014
Population
104,776
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A
Midwest
View Carmel, IN →