Federal Way, WA vs Palmdale, 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.
Federal Way
61.8
#1889 nationally
Palmdale
58
#1956 nationally
Federal Way leads in walk score (38 vs 24). Federal Way leads in average commute (33.3 min vs 41.3 min). Federal Way leads in median household income ($80,360 vs $78,414).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Palmdale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.8 (#1889) | 58 (#1956) |
| Population | 97,701 | 161,404 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $598,030 | $503,499 |
| Median Household Income | $80,360 | $78,414 |
| Average Commute | 33.3 min | 41.3 min |
| Walk Score | 38 | 24 |
| Crime Level | 14.9 | 15.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 130 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+51.7 | D+32.9 |
D-
61.8 Score
Federal Way, WA
Washington community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$598,030
Population
97,701
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
38
Pacific
View Federal Way, WA →
F
58 Score
Palmdale, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$503,499
Population
161,404
Crime
High
Walk Score
24
Pacific
View Palmdale, CA →
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