Hoover, AL vs Salem, VA
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.
Hoover
72.9
#809 nationally
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Hoover leads in crime level (2.1 vs 7.2). Salem leads in walk score (27 vs 17). Hoover leads in median household income ($101,765 vs $68,402).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hoover, AL | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.9 (#809) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 92,448 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $443,268 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $101,765 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 25 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 17 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 2.1 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+19.3 |
C-
72.9 Score
Hoover, AL
Alabama community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$443,268
Population
92,448
Crime
Low
Walk Score
17
Southeast
View Hoover, AL →
C
73.2 Score
Salem, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$312,662
Population
25,600
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Northeast
View Salem, VA →