Bessemer, AL vs Roanoke, VA
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.
Bessemer
71.9
#943 nationally
Roanoke
69.5
#1203 nationally
Roanoke leads in crime level (17.0 vs 47.8). Roanoke leads in walk score (39 vs 26). Roanoke leads in median household income ($51,523 vs $34,953).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bessemer, AL | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71.9 (#943) | 69.5 (#1203) |
| Population | 25,037 | 97,171 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $133,398 | $283,969 |
| Median Household Income | $34,953 | $51,523 |
| Average Commute | 24.7 min | 20.9 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 47.8 | 17.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 95 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+23.6 |
C-
71.9 Score
Bessemer, AL
Small Alabama city with local appeal
Median Home
$133,398
Population
25,037
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
26
Southeast
View Bessemer, AL →
D+
69.5 Score
Roanoke, VA
Virginia community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$283,969
Population
97,171
Crime
High
Walk Score
39
Northeast
View Roanoke, VA →