Ferndale, MI vs West Des Moines, 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.
Ferndale
82.8
#19 nationally
West Des Moines
77.1
#283 nationally
Ferndale leads in walk score (67 vs 34). West Des Moines leads in average commute (17.8 min vs 26.1 min). West Des Moines leads in crime level (4.5 vs 5.6).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ferndale, MI | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 82.8 (#19) | 77.1 (#283) |
| Population | 19,083 | 72,205 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $254,401 | $325,031 |
| Median Household Income | $86,120 | $82,345 |
| Average Commute | 26.1 min | 17.8 min |
| Walk Score | 67 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 5.6 | 4.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 103 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.6 | D+10.9 |
B-
82.8 Score
Ferndale, MI
Small Michigan city with local appeal
Median Home
$254,401
Population
19,083
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
67
Midwest
View Ferndale, MI →
C+
77.1 Score
West Des Moines, IA
Iowa community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$325,031
Population
72,205
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
34
Midwest
View West Des Moines, IA →
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