Salem, VA 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
73.2
#778 nationally
Whittier
61.9
#1886 nationally
Whittier leads in walk score (64 vs 27). Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 13.4). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 33 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, VA | Whittier, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#778) | 61.9 (#1886) |
| Population | 25,600 | 84,143 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $312,662 | $826,386 |
| Median Household Income | $68,402 | $89,686 |
| Average Commute | 18.8 min | 33 min |
| Walk Score | 27 | 64 |
| Crime Level | 7.2 | 13.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 165 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+19.3 | D+32.9 |
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 →
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 →