Laurel, MD vs Normal, 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.

Laurel

66.4

#1547 nationally

vs

Normal

76.8

#316 nationally

Normal leads in average commute (17.2 min vs 33.5 min). Laurel leads in median household income ($92,035 vs $63,965). Laurel leads in walk score (53 vs 40).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Laurel, MD Normal, IL
WhereAtHome Score 66.4 (#1547) 76.8 (#316)
Population 29,400 52,618
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $478,130 $269,069
Median Household Income $92,035 $63,965
Average Commute 33.5 min 17.2 min
Walk Score 53 40
Crime Level 10.8 9.0
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 125 97
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+13.9 D+4.9
Laurel, MD
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 →
Normal, IL
C
76.8 Score

Normal, IL

Illinois community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$269,069

Population

52,618

Crime

Moderate

Walk Score

40

Midwest View Normal, IL →

Try a different matchup

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