Bakersfield, 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.
Bakersfield
66.5
#1531 nationally
Shelby
70.8
#1062 nationally
Bakersfield leads in crime level (15.2 vs 28.6). Bakersfield leads in median household income ($73,827 vs $46,176). Shelby leads in cost of living index (90 vs 123).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Shelby, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.5 (#1531) | 70.8 (#1062) |
| Population | 413,381 | 22,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $391,030 | $214,559 |
| Median Household Income | $73,827 | $46,176 |
| Average Commute | 23.6 min | 22.4 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 15.2 | 28.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 123 | 90 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+21.1 | R+35.0 |
D
66.5 Score
Bakersfield, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$391,030
Population
413,381
Crime
High
Walk Score
37
Pacific
View Bakersfield, CA →
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 →