Brooklyn Center, MN vs Des Moines, 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.
Brooklyn Center
69.6
#1181 nationally
Des Moines
80.8
#61 nationally
Des Moines leads in walk score (45 vs 31). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 23.3 min). Brooklyn Center leads in median household income ($70,692 vs $60,509).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brooklyn Center, MN | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.6 (#1181) | 80.8 (#61) |
| Population | 31,688 | 214,133 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $302,111 | $212,006 |
| Median Household Income | $70,692 | $60,509 |
| Average Commute | 23.3 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 45 |
| Crime Level | 18.6 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.6 | D+10.9 |
D+
69.6 Score
Brooklyn Center, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$302,111
Population
31,688
Crime
High
Walk Score
31
Midwest
View Brooklyn Center, MN →
B-
80.8 Score
Des Moines, IA
Insurance capital with surprising vibrancy
Median Home
$212,006
Population
214,133
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Midwest
View Des Moines, IA →
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