Hercules, CA 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.
Hercules
63.3
#1776 nationally
Palmdale
58
#1956 nationally
Hercules leads in crime level (4.6 vs 15.1). Hercules leads in median household income ($125,880 vs $78,414). Palmdale leads in cost of living index (130 vs 171).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hercules, CA | Palmdale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.3 (#1776) | 58 (#1956) |
| Population | 26,582 | 161,404 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $743,984 | $503,499 |
| Median Household Income | $125,880 | $78,414 |
| Average Commute | 40.4 min | 41.3 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 24 |
| Crime Level | 4.6 | 15.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 171 | 130 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+38.0 | D+32.9 |
D
63.3 Score
Hercules, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$743,984
Population
26,582
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Hercules, CA →
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 →