Salem, OR vs South Gate, 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.
Salem
67.1
#1465 nationally
South Gate
62.6
#1845 nationally
South Gate leads in walk score (70 vs 42). Salem leads in average commute (22.7 min vs 32.3 min). Salem leads in cost of living index (115 vs 144).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, OR | South Gate, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.1 (#1465) | 62.6 (#1845) |
| Population | 177,432 | 90,070 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $440,726 | $702,198 |
| Median Household Income | $67,540 | $67,188 |
| Average Commute | 22.7 min | 32.3 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 70 |
| Crime Level | 14.6 | 14.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 144 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.0 | D+32.9 |
D+
67.1 Score
Salem, OR
Mid-size Oregon city with community character
Median Home
$440,726
Population
177,432
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
42
Pacific
View Salem, OR →
D-
62.6 Score
South Gate, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$702,198
Population
90,070
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
70
Pacific
View South Gate, CA →