Austin, MN vs Plano, TX
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
Plano
72.6
#865 nationally
Austin leads in average commute (17 min vs 27.6 min). Plano leads in median household income ($99,936 vs $61,667). Austin leads in cost of living index (91 vs 107).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Austin, MN | Plano, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 83.9 (#10) | 72.6 (#865) |
| Population | 26,171 | 287,339 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $193,110 | $499,723 |
| Median Household Income | $61,667 | $99,936 |
| Average Commute | 17 min | 27.6 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 5.2 | Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 107 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.5 | R+11.2 |
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-
72.6 Score
Plano, TX
Corporate opportunity meets family-friendly living
Median Home
$499,723
Population
287,339
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Southwest
View Plano, TX →