Laurel, MD vs Walnut Creek, 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
Walnut Creek
61.4
#1910 nationally
Laurel leads in cost of living index (125 vs 197). Walnut Creek leads in median household income ($129,971 vs $92,035). Walnut Creek leads in crime level (7.7 vs 10.8).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Walnut Creek, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 61.4 (#1910) |
| Population | 29,400 | 69,152 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $1,032,096 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $129,971 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 35.1 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 7.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 197 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+38.0 |
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-
61.4 Score
Walnut Creek, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,032,096
Population
69,152
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Walnut Creek, CA →
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