Laurel, MD vs Sterling Heights, MI
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
Sterling Heights
72.7
#851 nationally
Sterling Heights leads in crime level (6.3 vs 10.8). Laurel leads in walk score (53 vs 33). Sterling Heights leads in average commute (26 min vs 33.5 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Sterling Heights, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 72.7 (#851) |
| Population | 29,400 | 133,306 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $313,695 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $75,381 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 26 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 6.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 101 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | R+13.7 |
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-
72.7 Score
Sterling Heights, MI
Mid-size Michigan city with community character
Median Home
$313,695
Population
133,306
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33
Midwest
View Sterling Heights, MI →
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