Bowie, MD vs Carol Stream, IL
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.
Bowie
69.4
#1212 nationally
Carol Stream
75.4
#460 nationally
Carol Stream leads in crime level (1.9 vs 5.3). Carol Stream leads in walk score (36 vs 25). Bowie leads in median household income ($138,797 vs $103,525).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bowie, MD | Carol Stream, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.4 (#1212) | 75.4 (#460) |
| Population | 57,254 | 38,966 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $526,880 | $388,952 |
| Median Household Income | $138,797 | $103,525 |
| Average Commute | 36.1 min | 29.3 min |
| Walk Score | 25 | 36 |
| Crime Level | 5.3 | 1.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 113 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+75.2 | D+13.3 |
D+
69.4 Score
Bowie, MD
Maryland community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$526,880
Population
57,254
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
25
Northeast
View Bowie, MD →
C
75.4 Score
Carol Stream, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$388,952
Population
38,966
Crime
Low
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View Carol Stream, IL →
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