Columbus, IN vs Waukee, 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.
Columbus
81.7
#37 nationally
Waukee
77.3
#263 nationally
Columbus leads in crime level (0.4 vs 3.9). Waukee leads in median household income ($106,846 vs $75,114). Columbus leads in cost of living index (96 vs 106).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Waukee, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.7 (#37) | 77.3 (#263) |
| Population | 51,522 | 31,645 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,533 | $343,274 |
| Median Household Income | $75,114 | $106,846 |
| Average Commute | 18.1 min | 19.6 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | N/A |
| Crime Level | 0.4 | 3.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+27.3 | R+4.8 |
Data coverage note: Waukee is missing data for 1 metric that Columbus has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
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 →
C+
77.3 Score
Waukee, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$343,274
Population
31,645
Crime
Low
Median Income
$106,846
Midwest
View Waukee, IA →