Grand Rapids, MI vs Laurel, MD
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.
Grand Rapids
73.4
#738 nationally
Laurel
66.4
#1547 nationally
Laurel leads in median household income ($92,035 vs $54,789). Grand Rapids leads in average commute (21.2 min vs 33.5 min). Grand Rapids leads in cost of living index (91 vs 125).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Laurel, MD |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.4 (#738) | 66.4 (#1547) |
| Population | 201,013 | 29,400 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,699 | $478,130 |
| Median Household Income | $54,789 | $92,035 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 33.5 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 53 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 10.8 |
| School Rating | 6.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 125 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.4 | D+13.9 |
C
73.4 Score
Grand Rapids, MI
Beer City USA with West Michigan charm
Median Home
$311,699
Population
201,013
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Midwest
View Grand Rapids, MI →
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 →
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