Crystal, 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.
Crystal
75
#509 nationally
Des Moines
80.8
#61 nationally
Crystal leads in median household income ($86,288 vs $60,509). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 24 min). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 105).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Crystal, MN | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75 (#509) | 80.8 (#61) |
| Population | 21,906 | 214,133 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $323,618 | $212,006 |
| Median Household Income | $86,288 | $60,509 |
| Average Commute | 24 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 45 |
| Crime Level | 7.7 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.6 | D+10.9 |
C
75 Score
Crystal, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$323,618
Population
21,906
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Crystal, 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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