Bowie, MD vs Reading, PA
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
Reading
74.9
#536 nationally
Bowie leads in median household income ($138,797 vs $42,852). Reading leads in walk score (72 vs 25). Bowie leads in crime level (5.3 vs 9.2).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bowie, MD | Reading, PA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.4 (#1212) | 74.9 (#536) |
| Population | 57,254 | 94,903 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $526,880 | $268,328 |
| Median Household Income | $138,797 | $42,852 |
| Average Commute | 36.1 min | 24.3 min |
| Walk Score | 25 | 72 |
| Crime Level | 5.3 | 9.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+75.2 | R+12.2 |
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 →
C
74.9 Score
Reading, PA
Pennsylvania community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$268,328
Population
94,903
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
72
Northeast
View Reading, PA →