Rochester, 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.
Rochester
76
#401 nationally
West Des Moines
77.1
#283 nationally
West Des Moines leads in walk score (34 vs 30). Rochester leads in crime level (4.2 vs 4.5). Rochester leads in average commute (17.1 min vs 17.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Rochester, MN | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76 (#401) | 77.1 (#283) |
| Population | 122,413 | 72,205 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $347,877 | $325,031 |
| Median Household Income | $83,973 | $82,345 |
| Average Commute | 17.1 min | 17.8 min |
| Walk Score | 30 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 4.2 | 4.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 103 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.7 | D+10.9 |
C
76 Score
Rochester, MN
Mid-size Minnesota city with community character
Median Home
$347,877
Population
122,413
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
30
Midwest
View Rochester, 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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