Salem, OR vs Whittier, 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
Whittier
61.9
#1886 nationally
Whittier leads in walk score (64 vs 42). Salem leads in average commute (22.7 min vs 33 min). Salem leads in cost of living index (115 vs 165).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, OR | Whittier, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.1 (#1465) | 61.9 (#1886) |
| Population | 177,432 | 84,143 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $440,726 | $826,386 |
| Median Household Income | $67,540 | $89,686 |
| Average Commute | 22.7 min | 33 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 64 |
| Crime Level | 14.6 | 13.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 165 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.0 | D+32.9 |
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-
61.9 Score
Whittier, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$826,386
Population
84,143
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
64
Pacific
View Whittier, CA →