Arcata, CA vs Elk Grove, 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
Elk Grove
66.7
#1508 nationally
Elk Grove leads in crime level (5.2 vs 13.9). Elk Grove leads in median household income ($115,864 vs $43,444). Arcata leads in average commute (18.4 min vs 33.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Elk Grove, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 66.7 (#1508) |
| Population | 19,012 | 178,444 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $634,683 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $115,864 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 33.1 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | 5.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 148 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.4 | D+19.7 |
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
66.7 Score
Elk Grove, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$634,683
Population
178,444
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
32
Pacific
View Elk Grove, CA →