Carson, CA vs Rancho Santa Margarita, 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
Rancho Santa Margarita
68
#1361 nationally
Rancho Santa Margarita leads in crime level (2.2 vs 11.5). Carson leads in walk score (55 vs 34). Rancho Santa Margarita leads in median household income ($150,146 vs $103,045).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carson, CA | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.8 (#1737) | 68 (#1361) |
| Population | 91,139 | 46,182 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $796,912 | $1,017,195 |
| Median Household Income | $103,045 | $150,146 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 55 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 11.5 | 2.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| 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+
68 Score
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,017,195
Population
46,182
Crime
Low
Walk Score
34
Pacific
View Rancho Santa Margarita, CA →
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