Grand Forks, 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.
Grand Forks
75.4
#462 nationally
Marion
80.8
#63 nationally
Marion leads in crime level (3.4 vs 9.8). Grand Forks leads in walk score (47 vs 32). Marion leads in median household income ($81,519 vs $59,079).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.4 (#462) | 80.8 (#63) |
| Population | 58,921 | 42,213 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $305,484 | $281,229 |
| Median Household Income | $59,079 | $81,519 |
| Average Commute | 14.4 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 47 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 9.8 | 3.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+18.2 | D+9.9 |
C
75.4 Score
Grand Forks, ND
North Dakota community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$305,484
Population
58,921
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
47
Midwest
View Grand Forks, 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 →