Arcata, CA vs Downey, 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
Downey
61.3
#1911 nationally
Downey leads in median household income ($84,236 vs $43,444). Arcata leads in average commute (18.4 min vs 31.3 min). Downey leads in walk score (61 vs 48).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Downey, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 61.3 (#1911) |
| Population | 19,012 | 108,816 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $885,146 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $84,236 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 31.3 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 61 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | 12.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 165 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.4 | D+32.9 |
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-
61.3 Score
Downey, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$885,146
Population
108,816
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
61
Pacific
View Downey, CA →