Hackensack, NJ 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.
Hackensack
70.1
#1135 nationally
Rancho Santa Margarita
68
#1361 nationally
Rancho Santa Margarita leads in crime level (2.2 vs 6.8). Hackensack leads in walk score (73 vs 34). Rancho Santa Margarita leads in median household income ($150,146 vs $79,133).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hackensack, NJ | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.1 (#1135) | 68 (#1361) |
| Population | 45,736 | 46,182 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $473,422 | $1,017,195 |
| Median Household Income | $79,133 | $150,146 |
| Average Commute | 29.1 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 73 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 6.8 | 2.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 178 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+3.4 | D+2.6 |
C-
70.1 Score
Hackensack, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$473,422
Population
45,736
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
73
Northeast
View Hackensack, NJ →
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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