Laurel, MD vs Wheaton, 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
Wheaton
75.2
#497 nationally
Wheaton leads in crime level (1.4 vs 10.8). Laurel leads in walk score (53 vs 40). Wheaton leads in average commute (26.5 min vs 33.5 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 75.2 (#497) |
| Population | 29,400 | 52,938 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $518,505 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $113,523 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 26.5 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 1.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 126 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+13.3 |
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 →
C
75.2 Score
Wheaton, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$518,505
Population
52,938
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
40
Midwest
View Wheaton, IL →