Lancaster, CA 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.
Lancaster
61.5
#1905 nationally
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 22.9). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 30.9 min). Salem leads in cost of living index (105 vs 126).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lancaster, CA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.5 (#1905) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 166,236 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $465,459 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $71,367 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 30.9 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 22.9 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | R+19.3 |
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
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 →