Aiken, SC vs Raleigh, NC
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.
Aiken
69.5
#1191 nationally
Raleigh
71
#1035 nationally
Aiken leads in crime level (15.6 vs 32.0). Raleigh leads in walk score (31 vs 24). Raleigh leads in median household income ($82,424 vs $65,712).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.5 (#1191) | 71 (#1035) |
| Population | 32,947 | 470,763 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,439 | $435,237 |
| Median Household Income | $65,712 | $82,424 |
| Average Commute | 23.2 min | 24.3 min |
| Walk Score | 24 | 31 |
| Crime Level | 15.6 | 32.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+25.9 | D+25.6 |
D+
69.5 Score
Aiken, SC
Small South Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$281,439
Population
32,947
Crime
High
Walk Score
24
Southeast
View Aiken, SC →
C-
71 Score
Raleigh, NC
Research Triangle innovation hub
Median Home
$435,237
Population
470,763
Crime
Moderate-Low
Schools
B+
Southeast
View Raleigh, NC →