Columbia, SC vs Kettering, OH
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.
Columbia
73.8
#670 nationally
Kettering
84
#9 nationally
Kettering leads in crime level (1.2 vs 21.1). Kettering leads in median household income ($69,818 vs $54,095). Kettering leads in walk score (41 vs 35).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Kettering, OH |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.8 (#670) | 84 (#9) |
| Population | 142,416 | 56,876 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $230,662 | $247,857 |
| Median Household Income | $54,095 | $69,818 |
| Average Commute | 17.4 min | 19.8 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 21.1 | 1.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 91 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+33.5 | Even |
C
73.8 Score
Columbia, SC
Mid-size South Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$230,662
Population
142,416
Crime
High
Walk Score
35
Southeast
View Columbia, SC →
B
84 Score
Kettering, OH
Ohio community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$247,857
Population
56,876
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
41
Midwest
View Kettering, OH →
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