Des Moines, IA vs Garland, TX
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
Garland
73.2
#772 nationally
Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 29.7 min). Garland leads in median household income ($71,044 vs $60,509). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 102).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Garland, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 73.2 (#772) |
| Population | 214,133 | 243,470 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $287,246 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $71,044 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 29.7 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 40 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 6.4 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | D+22.2 |
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 →
C
73.2 Score
Garland, TX
Growing Texas city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$287,246
Population
243,470
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
40
Southwest
View Garland, TX →