Poway, CA vs Wake Forest, NC
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.
Poway
66.1
#1587 nationally
Wake Forest
68.8
#1286 nationally
Wake Forest leads in cost of living index (116 vs 179). Poway leads in walk score (30 vs 20). Poway leads in average commute (25.6 min vs 31.7 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Poway, CA | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.1 (#1587) | 68.8 (#1286) |
| Population | 48,051 | 54,337 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,225,939 | $513,720 |
| Median Household Income | $135,605 | $115,159 |
| Average Commute | 25.6 min | 31.7 min |
| Walk Score | 30 | 20 |
| Crime Level | 3.7 | 4.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 179 | 116 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+16.8 | D+25.6 |
D
66.1 Score
Poway, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,225,939
Population
48,051
Crime
Low
Walk Score
30
Pacific
View Poway, CA →
D+
68.8 Score
Wake Forest, NC
North Carolina community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$513,720
Population
54,337
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
20
Southeast
View Wake Forest, NC →