Lancaster, CA vs Novato, 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.
Lancaster
61.5
#1905 nationally
Novato
61.2
#1914 nationally
Novato leads in crime level (6.9 vs 22.9). Novato leads in median household income ($110,948 vs $71,367). Lancaster leads in cost of living index (126 vs 193).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lancaster, CA | Novato, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.5 (#1905) | 61.2 (#1914) |
| Population | 166,236 | 51,722 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $465,459 | $1,078,032 |
| Median Household Income | $71,367 | $110,948 |
| Average Commute | 30.9 min | 29.5 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 36 |
| Crime Level | 22.9 | 6.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 193 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+63.9 |
D-
61.5 Score
Lancaster, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$465,459
Population
166,236
Crime
High
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Lancaster, CA →
D-
61.2 Score
Novato, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,078,032
Population
51,722
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
36
Pacific
View Novato, CA →