Owatonna, 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.
Owatonna
77.3
#258 nationally
West Des Moines
77.1
#283 nationally
West Des Moines leads in walk score (34 vs 25). Owatonna leads in crime level (4.1 vs 4.5). Owatonna leads in average commute (16.6 min vs 17.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Owatonna, MN | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.3 (#258) | 77.1 (#283) |
| Population | 26,534 | 72,205 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $302,747 | $325,031 |
| Median Household Income | $78,295 | $82,345 |
| Average Commute | 16.6 min | 17.8 min |
| Walk Score | 25 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 4.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 103 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+24.5 | D+10.9 |
C+
77.3 Score
Owatonna, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$302,747
Population
26,534
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
25
Midwest
View Owatonna, 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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