Fargo, ND vs Marion, 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
Marion
80.8
#63 nationally
Fargo leads in walk score (46 vs 32). Marion leads in median household income ($81,519 vs $62,891). Fargo leads in average commute (16.8 min vs 19.2 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.9 (#209) | 80.8 (#63) |
| Population | 129,798 | 42,213 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $326,637 | $281,229 |
| Median Household Income | $62,891 | $81,519 |
| Average Commute | 16.8 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 46 | 32 |
| Crime Level | Low | 3.4 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+8.4 | D+9.9 |
C+
77.9 Score
Fargo, ND
Northern Plains energy
Median Home
$326,637
Population
129,798
Crime
Low
Schools
B
Midwest
View Fargo, ND →
B-
80.8 Score
Marion, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$281,229
Population
42,213
Crime
Low
Walk Score
32
Midwest
View Marion, IA →