Carbondale, IL vs Carson, 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.
Carbondale
73.3
#752 nationally
Carson
63.8
#1737 nationally
Carson leads in median household income ($103,045 vs $27,360). Carson leads in crime level (11.5 vs 27.5). Carbondale leads in average commute (14.9 min vs 27.6 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carbondale, IL | Carson, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.3 (#752) | 63.8 (#1737) |
| Population | 21,592 | 91,139 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $146,285 | $796,912 |
| Median Household Income | $27,360 | $103,045 |
| Average Commute | 14.9 min | 27.6 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 55 |
| Crime Level | 27.5 | 11.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 154 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+3.5 | D+32.9 |
C
73.3 Score
Carbondale, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$146,285
Population
21,592
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
42
Midwest
View Carbondale, IL →
D
63.8 Score
Carson, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$796,912
Population
91,139
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
55
Pacific
View Carson, CA →