Salem, VA vs Waco, TX
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
73.2
#778 nationally
Waco
77.1
#281 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 11.7). Salem leads in median household income ($68,402 vs $47,421). Waco leads in walk score (35 vs 27).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, VA | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#778) | 77.1 (#281) |
| Population | 25,600 | 144,816 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $312,662 | $197,359 |
| Median Household Income | $68,402 | $47,421 |
| Average Commute | 18.8 min | 17.5 min |
| Walk Score | 27 | 35 |
| Crime Level | 7.2 | 11.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 93 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+19.3 | R+30.9 |
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 →
C+
77.1 Score
Waco, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$197,359
Population
144,816
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
35
Southwest
View Waco, TX →