Decatur, AL vs Palmdale, 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.
Decatur
73.3
#754 nationally
Palmdale
58
#1956 nationally
Decatur leads in average commute (19.6 min vs 41.3 min). Decatur leads in cost of living index (89 vs 130). Palmdale leads in median household income ($78,414 vs $55,164).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Decatur, AL | Palmdale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.3 (#754) | 58 (#1956) |
| Population | 58,321 | 161,404 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $223,492 | $503,499 |
| Median Household Income | $55,164 | $78,414 |
| Average Commute | 19.6 min | 41.3 min |
| Walk Score | 25 | 24 |
| Crime Level | 16.6 | 15.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 130 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+52.6 | D+32.9 |
C
73.3 Score
Decatur, AL
Alabama community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$223,492
Population
58,321
Crime
High
Walk Score
25
Southeast
View Decatur, AL →
F
58 Score
Palmdale, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$503,499
Population
161,404
Crime
High
Walk Score
24
Pacific
View Palmdale, CA →