Plano, 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.
Plano
72.6
#865 nationally
West Des Moines
77.1
#283 nationally
West Des Moines leads in average commute (17.8 min vs 27.6 min). Plano leads in median household income ($99,936 vs $82,345). Plano leads in walk score (39 vs 34).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Plano, TX | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.6 (#865) | 77.1 (#283) |
| Population | 287,339 | 72,205 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $499,723 | $325,031 |
| Median Household Income | $99,936 | $82,345 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 17.8 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 34 |
| Crime Level | Low | 4.5 |
| School Rating | 8.5 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 103 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.2 | D+10.9 |
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 →
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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