Appleton, WI vs Columbus, 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
Columbus
81.7
#37 nationally
Columbus leads in crime level (0.4 vs 5.5). Appleton leads in walk score (44 vs 29). Columbus leads in average commute (18.1 min vs 19.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Columbus, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 81.7 (#37) |
| Population | 74,719 | 51,522 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $281,533 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $75,114 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 18.1 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 29 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 0.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | R+27.3 |
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 →
B-
81.7 Score
Columbus, IN
Indiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$281,533
Population
51,522
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
29
Midwest
View Columbus, IN →