Laurel, MD vs Poway, 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
Poway
66.1
#1587 nationally
Poway leads in crime level (3.7 vs 10.8). Laurel leads in walk score (53 vs 30). Poway leads in median household income ($135,605 vs $92,035).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Poway, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 66.1 (#1587) |
| Population | 29,400 | 48,051 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $1,225,939 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $135,605 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 25.6 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 30 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 3.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 179 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+16.8 |
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 →
D
66.1 Score
Poway, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,225,939
Population
48,051
Crime
Low
Walk Score
30
Pacific
View Poway, CA →