Downey, CA vs Santa Maria, 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.
Downey
61.3
#1911 nationally
Santa Maria
63.3
#1783 nationally
Downey leads in crime level (12.3 vs 18.1). Santa Maria leads in average commute (22.1 min vs 31.3 min). Santa Maria leads in cost of living index (138 vs 165).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Downey, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.3 (#1911) | 63.3 (#1783) |
| Population | 108,816 | 109,987 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $885,146 | $668,983 |
| Median Household Income | $84,236 | $81,237 |
| Average Commute | 31.3 min | 22.1 min |
| Walk Score | 61 | 52 |
| Crime Level | 12.3 | 18.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 165 | 138 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+26.7 |
D-
61.3 Score
Downey, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$885,146
Population
108,816
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
61
Pacific
View Downey, CA →
D
63.3 Score
Santa Maria, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$668,983
Population
109,987
Crime
High
Walk Score
52
Pacific
View Santa Maria, CA →
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