Arcata, CA vs Shelby, 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.
Arcata
65.5
#1626 nationally
Shelby
70.8
#1062 nationally
Arcata leads in crime level (13.9 vs 28.6). Arcata leads in walk score (48 vs 28). Shelby leads in cost of living index (90 vs 133).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Shelby, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 70.8 (#1062) |
| Population | 19,012 | 22,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $214,559 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $46,176 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 22.4 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | 28.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 90 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.4 | R+35.0 |
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
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C-
70.8 Score
Shelby, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$214,559
Population
22,010
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
28
Southeast
View Shelby, NC →