Aiken, SC vs Carmel, IN
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.
Aiken
69.5
#1191 nationally
Carmel
74.5
#579 nationally
Carmel leads in median household income ($121,400 vs $65,712). Carmel leads in walk score (28 vs 24). Aiken leads in cost of living index (101 vs 108).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Carmel, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.5 (#1191) | 74.5 (#579) |
| Population | 32,947 | 104,776 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,439 | $580,014 |
| Median Household Income | $65,712 | $121,400 |
| Average Commute | 23.2 min | 23.5 min |
| Walk Score | 24 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 15.6 | Very Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 108 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+25.9 | R+6.1 |
D+
69.5 Score
Aiken, SC
Small South Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$281,439
Population
32,947
Crime
High
Walk Score
24
Southeast
View Aiken, SC →
C
74.5 Score
Carmel, IN
Award-winning city planning meets Midwestern charm
Median Home
$580,014
Population
104,776
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A
Midwest
View Carmel, IN →