Laurel, MD vs Roanoke, VA
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
Roanoke
69.5
#1203 nationally
Laurel leads in median household income ($92,035 vs $51,523). Roanoke leads in average commute (20.9 min vs 33.5 min). Laurel leads in crime level (10.8 vs 17.0).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 69.5 (#1203) |
| Population | 29,400 | 97,171 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $283,969 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $51,523 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 20.9 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 17.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 95 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+23.6 |
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+
69.5 Score
Roanoke, VA
Virginia community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$283,969
Population
97,171
Crime
High
Walk Score
39
Northeast
View Roanoke, VA →