Arcata, CA vs Fairfield, CA
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.
Arcata
65.5
#1626 nationally
Fairfield
62.9
#1812 nationally
Fairfield leads in median household income ($98,857 vs $43,444). Arcata leads in average commute (18.4 min vs 32.3 min). Arcata leads in walk score (48 vs 37).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Fairfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 62.9 (#1812) |
| Population | 19,012 | 120,768 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $605,863 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $98,857 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 32.3 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | 13.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 151 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.4 | D+23.0 |
D
65.5 Score
Arcata, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$480,134
Population
19,012
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
48
Pacific
View Arcata, CA →
D-
62.9 Score
Fairfield, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$605,863
Population
120,768
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
37
Pacific
View Fairfield, CA →