Des Moines, IA vs New Orleans, LA
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
New Orleans
76.2
#375 nationally
New Orleans leads in walk score (58 vs 45). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 23.4 min). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (88 vs 107).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 76.2 (#375) |
| Population | 214,133 | 364,136 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $245,144 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $51,116 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 23.4 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 58 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 9.9 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 107 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | R+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
76.2 Score
New Orleans, LA
Growing Louisiana city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$245,144
Population
364,136
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
58
Southeast
View New Orleans, LA →
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