Carson, CA vs Irvine, 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.
Carson
63.8
#1737 nationally
Irvine
67.2
#1452 nationally
Carson leads in walk score (55 vs 44). Carson leads in cost of living index (154 vs 178). Irvine leads in median household income ($116,519 vs $103,045).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carson, CA | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.8 (#1737) | 67.2 (#1452) |
| Population | 91,139 | 307,670 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $796,912 | $1,517,431 |
| Median Household Income | $103,045 | $116,519 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 25.8 min |
| Walk Score | 55 | 44 |
| Crime Level | 11.5 | Very Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 9.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 154 | 178 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+2.6 |
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 →
D+
67.2 Score
Irvine, CA
Master-planned perfection in Southern California
Median Home
$1,517,431
Population
307,670
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A+
Pacific
View Irvine, CA →