Des Moines, IA vs Inver Grove Heights, MN
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
Inver Grove Heights
73.4
#740 nationally
Des Moines leads in walk score (45 vs 18). Inver Grove Heights leads in median household income ($98,719 vs $60,509). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 113).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Inver Grove Heights, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 73.4 (#740) |
| Population | 214,133 | 36,114 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $379,199 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $98,719 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 23.7 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 18 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 4.5 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 113 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | D+12.9 |
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 →
C
73.4 Score
Inver Grove Heights, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$379,199
Population
36,114
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
18
Midwest
View Inver Grove Heights, MN →
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