Salem, MA vs Shelton, CT
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.
Salem
68.6
#1307 nationally
Shelton
71.3
#1003 nationally
Salem leads in walk score (70 vs 18). Shelton leads in crime level (1.2 vs 4.2). Shelton leads in median household income ($112,366 vs $79,196).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, MA | Shelton, CT |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.6 (#1307) | 71.3 (#1003) |
| Population | 44,744 | 42,144 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $614,321 | $569,177 |
| Median Household Income | $79,196 | $112,366 |
| Average Commute | 30.6 min | 29 min |
| Walk Score | 70 | 18 |
| Crime Level | 4.2 | 1.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 135 | 128 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+20.3 | N/A |
D+
68.6 Score
Salem, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$614,321
Population
44,744
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
70
Northeast
View Salem, MA →
C-
71.3 Score
Shelton, CT
Small Connecticut city with local appeal
Median Home
$569,177
Population
42,144
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
18
Northeast
View Shelton, CT →