Kent, WA 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.
Kent
62.5
#1850 nationally
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 13.4). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 30.5 min). Kent leads in walk score (40 vs 27).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Kent, WA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.5 (#1850) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 133,378 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $647,138 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $86,966 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 30.5 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 13.4 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+51.7 | R+19.3 |
D-
62.5 Score
Kent, WA
Mid-size Washington city with community character
Median Home
$647,138
Population
133,378
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
40
Pacific
View Kent, WA →
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 →