Arcata, CA vs Shafter, 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
Shafter
70.7
#1077 nationally
Shafter leads in crime level (7.6 vs 13.9). Shafter leads in median household income ($66,418 vs $43,444). Arcata leads in average commute (18.4 min vs 22 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Shafter, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 70.7 (#1077) |
| Population | 19,012 | 21,915 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $387,324 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $66,418 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 22 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 45 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | 7.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.4 | R+21.1 |
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 →
C-
70.7 Score
Shafter, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$387,324
Population
21,915
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
45
Pacific
View Shafter, CA →