Arcata, CA vs Buena Park, 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.
Arcata
65.5
#1626 nationally
Buena Park
63.8
#1736 nationally
Buena Park leads in median household income ($101,586 vs $43,444). Buena Park leads in crime level (6.8 vs 13.9). Arcata leads in average commute (18.4 min vs 29.7 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Buena Park, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 63.8 (#1736) |
| Population | 19,012 | 81,958 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $942,568 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $101,586 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 29.7 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | 6.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.4 | D+2.6 |
D
65.5 Score
Arcata, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$480,134
Population
19,012
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
48
Pacific
View Arcata, CA →
D
63.8 Score
Buena Park, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$942,568
Population
81,958
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
57
Pacific
View Buena Park, CA →