Bowie, MD vs Hercules, 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.
Bowie
69.4
#1212 nationally
Hercules
63.3
#1776 nationally
Bowie leads in cost of living index (134 vs 171). Hercules leads in walk score (29 vs 25). Hercules leads in crime level (4.6 vs 5.3).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bowie, MD | Hercules, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.4 (#1212) | 63.3 (#1776) |
| Population | 57,254 | 26,582 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $526,880 | $743,984 |
| Median Household Income | $138,797 | $125,880 |
| Average Commute | 36.1 min | 40.4 min |
| Walk Score | 25 | 29 |
| Crime Level | 5.3 | 4.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 171 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+75.2 | D+38.0 |
D+
69.4 Score
Bowie, MD
Maryland community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$526,880
Population
57,254
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
25
Northeast
View Bowie, MD →
D
63.3 Score
Hercules, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$743,984
Population
26,582
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Hercules, CA →