Lancaster, CA vs Portage, IN
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
Portage
71.1
#1027 nationally
Portage leads in crime level (6.4 vs 22.9). Portage leads in cost of living index (94 vs 126). Portage leads in average commute (28.7 min vs 30.9 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lancaster, CA | Portage, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.5 (#1905) | 71.1 (#1027) |
| Population | 166,236 | 38,513 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $465,459 | $269,590 |
| Median Household Income | $71,367 | $71,317 |
| Average Commute | 30.9 min | 28.7 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | N/A |
| Crime Level | 22.9 | 6.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | R+10.5 |
Data coverage note: Portage is missing data for 1 metric that Lancaster has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
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 →
C-
71.1 Score
Portage, IN
Small Indiana city with local appeal
Median Home
$269,590
Population
38,513
Crime
Moderate
Median Income
$71,317
Midwest
View Portage, IN →