Laurel, MD vs Murrieta, 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
Murrieta
64.4
#1695 nationally
Murrieta leads in crime level (5.0 vs 10.8). Laurel leads in walk score (53 vs 28). Laurel leads in cost of living index (125 vs 150).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Murrieta, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 64.4 (#1695) |
| Population | 29,400 | 111,878 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $694,424 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $106,925 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 35 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 5.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 150 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | R+1.3 |
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
64.4 Score
Murrieta, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$694,424
Population
111,878
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
28
Pacific
View Murrieta, CA →