Des Moines, IA vs Round Rock, TX
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
Round Rock
75.1
#504 nationally
Round Rock leads in median household income ($102,891 vs $60,509). Des Moines leads in walk score (45 vs 32). Des Moines leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 26.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Round Rock, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#61) | 75.1 (#504) |
| Population | 214,133 | 139,077 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $212,006 | $405,249 |
| Median Household Income | $60,509 | $102,891 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 26.8 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 32 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | Low |
| School Rating | 7.2 | 8.4 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 108 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | R+2.5 |
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
75.1 Score
Round Rock, TX
Dell's hometown in the Austin suburbs
Median Home
$405,249
Population
139,077
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Southwest
View Round Rock, TX →
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