Bowie, MD vs Forest Lake, MN
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
Forest Lake
71.7
#964 nationally
Forest Lake leads in crime level (3.3 vs 5.3). Bowie leads in median household income ($138,797 vs $91,157). Bowie leads in walk score (25 vs 18).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bowie, MD | Forest Lake, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.4 (#1212) | 71.7 (#964) |
| Population | 57,254 | 20,685 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $526,880 | $432,441 |
| Median Household Income | $138,797 | $91,157 |
| Average Commute | 36.1 min | 26.9 min |
| Walk Score | 25 | 18 |
| Crime Level | 5.3 | 3.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 114 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+75.2 | D+8.9 |
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-
71.7 Score
Forest Lake, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$432,441
Population
20,685
Crime
Low
Walk Score
18
Midwest
View Forest Lake, MN →
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