Bakersfield, CA vs Hickory, NC
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
Hickory
70.8
#1056 nationally
Hickory leads in crime level (11.2 vs 15.2). Bakersfield leads in walk score (37 vs 28). Bakersfield leads in median household income ($73,827 vs $58,251).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Hickory, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.5 (#1531) | 70.8 (#1056) |
| Population | 413,381 | 44,415 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $391,030 | $298,293 |
| Median Household Income | $73,827 | $58,251 |
| Average Commute | 23.6 min | 19.6 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 15.2 | 11.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 123 | 98 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+21.1 | R+38.0 |
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 →
C-
70.8 Score
Hickory, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$298,293
Population
44,415
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
28
Southeast
View Hickory, NC →