Aiken, SC vs Kannapolis, NC
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
Kannapolis
74.2
#618 nationally
Kannapolis leads in crime level (4.6 vs 15.6). Aiken leads in average commute (23.2 min vs 25.6 min). Aiken leads in walk score (24 vs 22).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Kannapolis, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.5 (#1191) | 74.2 (#618) |
| Population | 32,947 | 59,321 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,439 | $282,200 |
| Median Household Income | $65,712 | $66,487 |
| Average Commute | 23.2 min | 25.6 min |
| Walk Score | 24 | 22 |
| Crime Level | 15.6 | 4.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 97 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+25.9 | R+7.7 |
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
74.2 Score
Kannapolis, NC
North Carolina community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$282,200
Population
59,321
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
22
Southeast
View Kannapolis, NC →