Central, LA vs Laurel, MD
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.
Laurel
66.4
#1547 nationally
Laurel leads in walk score (53 vs 7). Central leads in crime level (7.1 vs 10.8). Central leads in cost of living index (107 vs 125).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Central, LA | Laurel, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,781 | 29,400 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $478,130 |
| Median Household Income | $82,714 | $92,035 |
| Average Commute | 30.8 min | 33.5 min |
| Walk Score | 7 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 7.1 | 10.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 125 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+11.1 | D+13.9 |
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Score
Central, LA
Small Louisiana city with local appeal
Population
29,781
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
7
Median Income
$82,714
Southeast
View Central, LA →
D
66.4 Score
Laurel, MD
Small Maryland city with local appeal
Median Home
$478,130
Population
29,400
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Northeast
View Laurel, MD →