Carmel, IN vs Fairfax, 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.
Carmel
74.5
#579 nationally
Fairfax
70.4
#1102 nationally
Fairfax leads in walk score (54 vs 28). Carmel leads in cost of living index (108 vs 160). Carmel leads in average commute (23.5 min vs 28.5 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carmel, IN | Fairfax, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.5 (#579) | 70.4 (#1102) |
| Population | 104,776 | 25,144 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $580,014 | $787,568 |
| Median Household Income | $121,400 | $128,708 |
| Average Commute | 23.5 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 54 |
| Crime Level | Very Low | 2.5 |
| School Rating | 9 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 160 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+6.1 | D+35.0 |
C
74.5 Score
Carmel, IN
Award-winning city planning meets Midwestern charm
Median Home
$580,014
Population
104,776
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A
Midwest
View Carmel, IN →
C-
70.4 Score
Fairfax, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$787,568
Population
25,144
Crime
Low
Walk Score
54
Northeast
View Fairfax, VA →