Des Moines, WA vs National City, 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
National City
62.1
#1876 nationally
Des Moines leads in crime level (8.1 vs 19.1). National City leads in walk score (69 vs 41). Des Moines leads in median household income ($81,362 vs $59,850).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | National City, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.6 (#1684) | 62.1 (#1876) |
| Population | 31,988 | 55,236 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $607,792 | $692,459 |
| Median Household Income | $81,362 | $59,850 |
| Average Commute | 30.2 min | 25.6 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 69 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | 19.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 143 |
| 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-
62.1 Score
National City, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$692,459
Population
55,236
Crime
High
Walk Score
69
Pacific
View National City, CA →
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