Des Moines, WA vs Imperial Beach, CA
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
64.6
#1684 nationally
Imperial Beach
62.9
#1815 nationally
Des Moines leads in crime level (8.1 vs 14.8). Imperial Beach leads in walk score (69 vs 41). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (133 vs 167).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Imperial Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.6 (#1684) | 62.9 (#1815) |
| Population | 31,988 | 25,458 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $607,792 | $844,131 |
| Median Household Income | $81,362 | $75,731 |
| Average Commute | 30.2 min | 27.2 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 69 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | 14.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+51.7 | D+16.8 |
D
64.6 Score
Des Moines, WA
Small Washington city with local appeal
Median Home
$607,792
Population
31,988
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Des Moines, WA →
D-
62.9 Score
Imperial Beach, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$844,131
Population
25,458
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
69
Pacific
View Imperial Beach, CA →
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