Bakersfield, CA vs Des Moines, WA
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.
Bakersfield
66.5
#1531 nationally
Des Moines
64.6
#1684 nationally
Des Moines leads in crime level (8.1 vs 15.2). Bakersfield leads in average commute (23.6 min vs 30.2 min). Des Moines leads in walk score (41 vs 37).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Des Moines, WA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.5 (#1531) | 64.6 (#1684) |
| Population | 413,381 | 31,988 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $391,030 | $607,792 |
| Median Household Income | $73,827 | $81,362 |
| Average Commute | 23.6 min | 30.2 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 15.2 | 8.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 123 | 133 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+21.1 | D+51.7 |
D
66.5 Score
Bakersfield, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$391,030
Population
413,381
Crime
High
Walk Score
37
Pacific
View Bakersfield, CA →
D
64.6 Score
Des Moines, WA
Small Washington city with local appeal
Median Home
$607,792
Population
31,988
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Des Moines, WA →
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