Bakersfield, CA vs Palmdale, 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.
Bakersfield
66.5
#1531 nationally
Palmdale
58
#1956 nationally
Bakersfield leads in average commute (23.6 min vs 41.3 min). Bakersfield leads in walk score (37 vs 24). Palmdale leads in median household income ($78,414 vs $73,827).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Palmdale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.5 (#1531) | 58 (#1956) |
| Population | 413,381 | 161,404 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $391,030 | $503,499 |
| Median Household Income | $73,827 | $78,414 |
| Average Commute | 23.6 min | 41.3 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 24 |
| Crime Level | 15.2 | 15.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 123 | 130 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+21.1 | D+32.9 |
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 →
F
58 Score
Palmdale, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$503,499
Population
161,404
Crime
High
Walk Score
24
Pacific
View Palmdale, CA →
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