Des Moines, IA vs Linden, 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
Linden
67.6
#1401 nationally
Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 31.4 min). Linden leads in median household income ($86,801 vs $60,509). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 125).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Linden, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 67.6 (#1401) |
| Population | 214,133 | 43,950 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $553,705 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $86,801 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 31.4 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 63 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 7.2 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 125 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | D+24.2 |
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 →
D+
67.6 Score
Linden, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$553,705
Population
43,950
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
63
Northeast
View Linden, NJ →