Carson, CA vs Santa Maria, 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
Santa Maria
63.3
#1783 nationally
Carson leads in crime level (11.5 vs 18.1). Carson leads in median household income ($103,045 vs $81,237). Santa Maria leads in average commute (22.1 min vs 27.6 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carson, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.8 (#1737) | 63.3 (#1783) |
| Population | 91,139 | 109,987 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $796,912 | $668,983 |
| Median Household Income | $103,045 | $81,237 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 22.1 min |
| Walk Score | 55 | 52 |
| Crime Level | 11.5 | 18.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 154 | 138 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+26.7 |
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
63.3 Score
Santa Maria, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$668,983
Population
109,987
Crime
High
Walk Score
52
Pacific
View Santa Maria, CA →
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