New Brighton, MN 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.
New Brighton
75.6
#440 nationally
West Des Moines
77.1
#283 nationally
New Brighton leads in crime level (2.5 vs 4.5). West Des Moines leads in average commute (17.8 min vs 20.9 min). West Des Moines leads in cost of living index (103 vs 112).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | New Brighton, MN | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.6 (#440) | 77.1 (#283) |
| Population | 22,228 | 72,205 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $389,217 | $325,031 |
| Median Household Income | $84,707 | $82,345 |
| Average Commute | 20.9 min | 17.8 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 2.5 | 4.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 103 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+43.3 | D+10.9 |
C
75.6 Score
New Brighton, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$389,217
Population
22,228
Crime
Low
Walk Score
35
Midwest
View New Brighton, MN →
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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