Jackson, MS 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.
Jackson
81.4
#42 nationally
Johnston
76
#397 nationally
Johnston leads in crime level (2.1 vs 8.1). Johnston leads in median household income ($98,324 vs $42,193). Jackson leads in cost of living index (85 vs 110).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.4 (#42) | 76 (#397) |
| Population | 143,709 | 24,640 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $84,299 | $402,429 |
| Median Household Income | $42,193 | $98,324 |
| Average Commute | 20.3 min | 18.3 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 21 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | 2.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 110 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+46.1 | D+10.9 |
B-
81.4 Score
Jackson, MS
Mid-size Mississippi city with community character
Median Home
$84,299
Population
143,709
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
26
Southeast
View Jackson, MS →
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 →