Fargo, ND vs Iowa City, IA
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.
Fargo
77.9
#209 nationally
Iowa City
73.8
#673 nationally
Fargo leads in median household income ($62,891 vs $54,879). Fargo leads in cost of living index (94 vs 102). Fargo leads in average commute (16.8 min vs 17.7 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.9 (#209) | 73.8 (#673) |
| Population | 129,798 | 75,678 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $326,637 | $305,824 |
| Median Household Income | $62,891 | $54,879 |
| Average Commute | 16.8 min | 17.7 min |
| Walk Score | 46 | 45 |
| Crime Level | Low | 8.8 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+8.4 | D+38.1 |
C+
77.9 Score
Fargo, ND
Northern Plains energy
Median Home
$326,637
Population
129,798
Crime
Low
Schools
B
Midwest
View Fargo, ND →
C
73.8 Score
Iowa City, IA
Iowa community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$305,824
Population
75,678
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
45
Midwest
View Iowa City, IA →