University City, MO 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.
University City
78.3
#186 nationally
West Des Moines
77.1
#283 nationally
West Des Moines leads in crime level (4.5 vs 8.2). University City leads in walk score (58 vs 34). West Des Moines leads in average commute (17.8 min vs 20.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | University City, MO | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 78.3 (#186) | 77.1 (#283) |
| Population | 34,096 | 72,205 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $272,576 | $325,031 |
| Median Household Income | $71,888 | $82,345 |
| Average Commute | 20.4 min | 17.8 min |
| Walk Score | 58 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 8.2 | 4.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 103 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.4 | D+10.9 |
C+
78.3 Score
University City, MO
Small Missouri city with local appeal
Median Home
$272,576
Population
34,096
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
58
Midwest
View University City, MO →
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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