Laurel, MD vs Palmdale, CA
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
Palmdale
58
#1956 nationally
Laurel leads in walk score (53 vs 24). Laurel leads in crime level (10.8 vs 15.1). Laurel leads in average commute (33.5 min vs 41.3 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Palmdale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 58 (#1956) |
| Population | 29,400 | 161,404 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $503,499 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $78,414 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 41.3 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 24 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 15.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 130 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+32.9 |
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 →
F
58 Score
Palmdale, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$503,499
Population
161,404
Crime
High
Walk Score
24
Pacific
View Palmdale, CA →