Laurel, MD vs Tacoma, WA
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
Tacoma
65.1
#1654 nationally
Laurel leads in median household income ($92,035 vs $65,891). Tacoma leads in average commute (28.4 min vs 33.5 min). Tacoma leads in cost of living index (118 vs 125).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 65.1 (#1654) |
| Population | 29,400 | 221,776 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $496,203 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $65,891 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 28.4 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 52 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | Moderate-High |
| School Rating | N/A | 5.4 |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 118 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+10.8 |
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
65.1 Score
Tacoma, WA
City of Destiny reborn
Median Home
$496,203
Population
221,776
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C
West
View Tacoma, WA →