Grand Rapids, MI vs Johnston, 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 Rapids
73.4
#738 nationally
Johnston
76
#397 nationally
Grand Rapids leads in walk score (52 vs 21). Johnston leads in median household income ($98,324 vs $54,789). Grand Rapids leads in cost of living index (91 vs 110).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.4 (#738) | 76 (#397) |
| Population | 201,013 | 24,640 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,699 | $402,429 |
| Median Household Income | $54,789 | $98,324 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 18.3 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 21 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 2.1 |
| School Rating | 6.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 110 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.4 | D+10.9 |
C
73.4 Score
Grand Rapids, MI
Beer City USA with West Michigan charm
Median Home
$311,699
Population
201,013
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Midwest
View Grand Rapids, MI →
C
76 Score
Johnston, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$402,429
Population
24,640
Crime
Low
Walk Score
21
Midwest
View Johnston, IA →
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