Arcata, CA vs Placentia, 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
Placentia
62.2
#1868 nationally
Placentia leads in median household income ($106,155 vs $43,444). Arcata leads in average commute (18.4 min vs 30.1 min). Placentia leads in crime level (9.8 vs 13.9).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Placentia, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 62.2 (#1868) |
| Population | 19,012 | 52,192 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $1,113,465 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $106,155 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 30.1 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 50 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | 9.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 174 |
| 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-
62.2 Score
Placentia, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,113,465
Population
52,192
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
50
Pacific
View Placentia, CA →