Austin, MN vs Johnston, 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.
Austin
83.9
#10 nationally
Johnston
76
#397 nationally
Johnston leads in crime level (2.1 vs 5.2). Austin leads in walk score (37 vs 21). Johnston leads in median household income ($98,324 vs $61,667).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Austin, MN | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 83.9 (#10) | 76 (#397) |
| Population | 26,171 | 24,640 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $193,110 | $402,429 |
| Median Household Income | $61,667 | $98,324 |
| Average Commute | 17 min | 18.3 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 21 |
| Crime Level | 5.2 | 2.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 110 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.5 | D+10.9 |
B
83.9 Score
Austin, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$193,110
Population
26,171
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Austin, MN →
C
76 Score
Johnston, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$402,429
Population
24,640
Crime
Low
Walk Score
21
Midwest
View Johnston, IA →