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Relocators rarely weigh one place in isolation. Pick two or three MapsToIt cities and review income, housing, safety, and climate side by side against U.S. baselines.
Side-by-side: Des Moines, IA vs Topeka, KS
Figures are for incorporated city limits unless noted. Crime rates are citywide and can hide neighborhood variation — see methodology.
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Topeka, KS | U.S. baseline | Context / gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 126,587 | N/A | City limits only (not metro / MSA) |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $52,000 | $78,538 | 19% below national average |
| Median home value | $183,700 | $155,000 | $303,400 | 39% below national average · relatively affordable / lower |
| Median rent | $1,054 | $900 | $1,348 | 22% below national average · relatively affordable / lower |
| Housing cost index | 69 | 85 | 100 | 100 = U.S. average (ACS home + rent) |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 3.3% | 4.2% | County LAUS rate, not city-only |
| Avg commute | 19 min | 17 min | 25 min | 24% below national average · relatively affordable / lower |
| Violent crime rate | 712 / 100k | 62 / 100k | 602.7 / 100k | Citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Property crime rate | 4090.5 / 100k | 68 / 100k | 3084.9 / 100k | Citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Sunny days | 252 days | 222 days | 266 days | 5% below national average |
| Summer high | 84°F | 89°F | 87°F | NOAA normals · nearest station |
| Winter low | 17°F | 19°F | 34°F | NOAA normals · nearest station |
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