Frederick, MD vs Salem, VA
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.
Frederick
67
#1470 nationally
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Frederick leads in walk score (47 vs 27). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 29.8 min). Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 11.1).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Frederick, MD | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67 (#1470) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 85,793 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $465,790 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $89,981 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 29.8 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 47 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 11.1 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 120 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+8.8 | R+19.3 |
D+
67 Score
Frederick, MD
Maryland community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$465,790
Population
85,793
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
47
Northeast
View Frederick, MD →
C
73.2 Score
Salem, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$312,662
Population
25,600
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Northeast
View Salem, VA →