Columbia Heights, 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.
Columbia Heights
74.9
#527 nationally
Des Moines
80.8
#61 nationally
Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 24.2 min). Columbia Heights leads in walk score (53 vs 45). Columbia Heights leads in median household income ($70,470 vs $60,509).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbia Heights, MN | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.9 (#527) | 80.8 (#61) |
| Population | 22,278 | 214,133 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $303,089 | $212,006 |
| Median Household Income | $70,470 | $60,509 |
| Average Commute | 24.2 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 45 |
| Crime Level | 8.8 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+10.9 |
C
74.9 Score
Columbia Heights, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$303,089
Population
22,278
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
53
Midwest
View Columbia Heights, 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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