Salem, VA vs Washington, DC
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
Washington
66.2
#1580 nationally
Washington leads in walk score (98 vs 27). Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 25.4). Salem leads in cost of living index (105 vs 181).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, VA | Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#778) | 66.2 (#1580) |
| Population | 25,600 | 678,972 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $312,662 | $576,796 |
| Median Household Income | $68,402 | $101,722 |
| Average Commute | 18.8 min | 30.5 min |
| Walk Score | 27 | 98 |
| Crime Level | 7.2 | 25.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 181 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+19.3 | D+86.1 |
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 →
D
66.2 Score
Washington, DC
Major District of Columbia city with a diverse economy
Median Home
$576,796
Population
678,972
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
98
Northeast
View Washington, DC →
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