Laurel, MD vs Shafter, 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
Shafter
70.7
#1077 nationally
Shafter leads in average commute (22 min vs 33.5 min). Shafter leads in crime level (7.6 vs 10.8). Laurel leads in median household income ($92,035 vs $66,418).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Shafter, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 70.7 (#1077) |
| Population | 29,400 | 21,915 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $387,324 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $66,418 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 22 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 45 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 7.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | R+21.1 |
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-
70.7 Score
Shafter, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$387,324
Population
21,915
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
45
Pacific
View Shafter, CA →