Des Moines, IA vs Moline, IL
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
Moline
82
#33 nationally
Moline leads in median household income ($63,553 vs $60,509). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 92). Moline leads in average commute (18.7 min vs 19.2 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Moline, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 82 (#33) |
| Population | 214,133 | 41,965 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $152,495 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $63,553 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 18.7 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 44 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 10.5 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 92 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | D+9.6 |
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 →
B-
82 Score
Moline, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$152,495
Population
41,965
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Moline, IL →
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