Hercules, 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.
Hercules
63.3
#1776 nationally
Rancho Santa Margarita
68
#1361 nationally
Rancho Santa Margarita leads in crime level (2.2 vs 4.6). Rancho Santa Margarita leads in average commute (27 min vs 40.4 min). Rancho Santa Margarita leads in median household income ($150,146 vs $125,880).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hercules, CA | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.3 (#1776) | 68 (#1361) |
| Population | 26,582 | 46,182 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $743,984 | $1,017,195 |
| Median Household Income | $125,880 | $150,146 |
| Average Commute | 40.4 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 4.6 | 2.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 171 | 178 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+38.0 | D+2.6 |
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 →
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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