Pasadena, TX 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.
Pasadena
75.2
#490 nationally
West Des Moines
77.1
#283 nationally
West Des Moines leads in crime level (4.5 vs 15.5). West Des Moines leads in average commute (17.8 min vs 25.7 min). West Des Moines leads in median household income ($82,345 vs $64,698).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Pasadena, TX | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.2 (#490) | 77.1 (#283) |
| Population | 146,716 | 72,205 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $218,827 | $325,031 |
| Median Household Income | $64,698 | $82,345 |
| Average Commute | 25.7 min | 17.8 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 15.5 | 4.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 103 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.5 | D+10.9 |
C
75.2 Score
Pasadena, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$218,827
Population
146,716
Crime
High
Walk Score
43
Southwest
View Pasadena, TX →
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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