Salem, OR vs Union City, 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.
Salem
67.1
#1465 nationally
Union City
60
#1943 nationally
Union City leads in median household income ($138,013 vs $67,540). Salem leads in cost of living index (115 vs 201). Salem leads in average commute (22.7 min vs 33 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, OR | Union City, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.1 (#1465) | 60 (#1943) |
| Population | 177,432 | 65,414 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $440,726 | $1,223,080 |
| Median Household Income | $67,540 | $138,013 |
| Average Commute | 22.7 min | 33 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 47 |
| Crime Level | 14.6 | 11.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 201 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.0 | D+53.6 |
D+
67.1 Score
Salem, OR
Mid-size Oregon city with community character
Median Home
$440,726
Population
177,432
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
42
Pacific
View Salem, OR →
D-
60 Score
Union City, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,223,080
Population
65,414
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
47
Pacific
View Union City, CA →