Des Moines, IA vs Indianapolis, IN
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
Indianapolis
73.5
#722 nationally
Des Moines leads in walk score (45 vs 31). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 24.1 min). Des Moines leads in school rating (7.2 vs 5.8).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 73.5 (#722) |
| Population | 214,133 | 887,642 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $232,142 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $54,321 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 24.1 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 31 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | Moderate-High |
| School Rating | 7.2 | 5.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 89 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | D+27.7 |
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
73.5 Score
Indianapolis, IN
The Crossroads of America
Median Home
$232,142
Population
887,642
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Midwest
View Indianapolis, IN →
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