Laurel, MD vs Melrose, MA

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

vs

Melrose

67.3

#1438 nationally

Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 10.8). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $92,035). Laurel leads in cost of living index (125 vs 167).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Laurel, MD Melrose, MA
WhereAtHome Score 66.4 (#1547) 67.3 (#1438)
Population 29,400 29,357
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $478,130 $930,823
Median Household Income $92,035 $126,305
Average Commute 33.5 min 37.1 min
Walk Score 53 62
Crime Level 10.8 2.8
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 125 167
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+13.9 D+39.5