Marion, IA vs Plano, TX
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.
Marion
80.8
#63 nationally
Plano
72.6
#865 nationally
Marion leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 27.6 min). Plano leads in median household income ($99,936 vs $81,519). Plano leads in walk score (39 vs 32).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Marion, IA | Plano, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#63) | 72.6 (#865) |
| Population | 42,213 | 287,339 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,229 | $499,723 |
| Median Household Income | $81,519 | $99,936 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 27.6 min |
| Walk Score | 32 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 3.4 | Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 107 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+9.9 | R+11.2 |
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 →
C-
72.6 Score
Plano, TX
Corporate opportunity meets family-friendly living
Median Home
$499,723
Population
287,339
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Southwest
View Plano, TX →