Laurel, MD vs Palatine, IL
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
Palatine
74.6
#575 nationally
Palatine leads in crime level (1.8 vs 10.8). Laurel leads in walk score (53 vs 41). Palatine leads in average commute (28.7 min vs 33.5 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Palatine, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 74.6 (#575) |
| Population | 29,400 | 64,869 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $396,744 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $93,383 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 28.7 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 1.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+42.0 |
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 →
C
74.6 Score
Palatine, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$396,744
Population
64,869
Crime
Low
Walk Score
41
Midwest
View Palatine, IL →
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