Des Moines, IA vs Gallatin, TN
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
Gallatin
68.5
#1311 nationally
Des Moines leads in walk score (45 vs 24). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 26 min). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 107).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Gallatin, TN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 68.5 (#1311) |
| Population | 214,133 | 50,355 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $438,486 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $68,548 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 26 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 24 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 5.7 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 107 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | R+41.8 |
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+
68.5 Score
Gallatin, TN
Tennessee community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$438,486
Population
50,355
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
24
Southeast
View Gallatin, TN →
Try a different matchup
Swap Des Moines for: