Des Moines, IA vs East Orange, NJ
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.
Des Moines
80.8
#61 nationally
East Orange
65
#1658 nationally
Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 33.7 min). East Orange leads in walk score (70 vs 45). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 115).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | East Orange, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 65 (#1658) |
| Population | 214,133 | 69,556 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $481,308 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $58,659 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 33.7 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 70 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 13.3 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | D+44.9 |
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 →
D
65 Score
East Orange, NJ
New Jersey community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$481,308
Population
69,556
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
70
Northeast
View East Orange, NJ →
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