Laurel, MD vs Oak Lawn, 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
Oak Lawn
76
#400 nationally
Oak Lawn leads in crime level (4.9 vs 10.8). Laurel leads in median household income ($92,035 vs $77,221). Oak Lawn leads in cost of living index (106 vs 125).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Oak Lawn, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 76 (#400) |
| Population | 29,400 | 55,734 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $301,108 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $77,221 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 31.8 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 58 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 4.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+42.0 |
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 →
C
76 Score
Oak Lawn, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$301,108
Population
55,734
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
58
Midwest
View Oak Lawn, IL →