Arcata, CA vs Lancaster, 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
Lancaster
61.5
#1905 nationally
Arcata leads in average commute (18.4 min vs 30.9 min). Arcata leads in walk score (48 vs 29). Arcata leads in crime level (13.9 vs 22.9).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Lancaster, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 61.5 (#1905) |
| Population | 19,012 | 166,236 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $465,459 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $71,367 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 30.9 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 29 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | 22.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 126 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.4 | D+32.9 |
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-
61.5 Score
Lancaster, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$465,459
Population
166,236
Crime
High
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Lancaster, CA →