Plainfield, NJ 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.
Plainfield
64.6
#1687 nationally
West Des Moines
77.1
#283 nationally
West Des Moines leads in crime level (4.5 vs 11.3). West Des Moines leads in average commute (17.8 min vs 30.6 min). Plainfield leads in walk score (54 vs 34).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Plainfield, NJ | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.6 (#1687) | 77.1 (#283) |
| Population | 54,670 | 72,205 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $521,339 | $325,031 |
| Median Household Income | $70,712 | $82,345 |
| Average Commute | 30.6 min | 17.8 min |
| Walk Score | 54 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 11.3 | 4.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 122 | 103 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+10.9 |
D
64.6 Score
Plainfield, NJ
New Jersey community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$521,339
Population
54,670
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
54
Northeast
View Plainfield, NJ →
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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