Alabaster, AL vs Salem, VA
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.
Alabaster
74.7
#560 nationally
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Salem leads in walk score (27 vs 10). Alabaster leads in crime level (2.7 vs 7.2). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 32 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Alabaster, AL | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.7 (#560) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 34,107 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $308,363 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $89,423 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 32 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 10 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 2.7 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+40.8 | R+19.3 |
C
74.7 Score
Alabaster, AL
Small Alabama city with local appeal
Median Home
$308,363
Population
34,107
Crime
Low
Walk Score
10
Southeast
View Alabaster, AL →
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 →