Median Income
$59,167
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,300
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
552/100K
45% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.9%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$713
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How Laurel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population221
Median Age51.1 yrs
Density884/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,167
Per Capita$32,933
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty12.3%
County GDP$1,654M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,300
Rent$713
Ownership86.6%
Zillow$253,919
Housing Units124
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent552/100K
Property2,880/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking13.2%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,041 ft (317 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.9%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute30 min
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations7
Libraries3
Is Laurel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Laurel receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Laurel has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Laurel is $59,167, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Laurel is $104,300, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 552 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,880 per 100,000, 47% above the national average.
Education
9.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Laurel experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 31.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Laurel has a population of 221 with a density of 884 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 51.1 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.6% female and 58.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.1yrs
Median Age
31% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Laurel is $59,167, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,933 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,108, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 699 business establishments, including 47 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,167 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,933 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,108 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,315 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 699 |
| County GDP | $1,654M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 47 |
| Healthcare | 62 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Laurel is $104,300, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,919, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $713 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 124 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $4,683 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $253,919 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $713 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.4% |
| Housing Units | 124 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.49% |
In Laurel, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 25.0% report binge drinking. 19.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.4% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,162. The dentist ratio is 1:1,679. 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Laurel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 25.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.9% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,162 |
| Dentists | 1:1,679 |
| Mental Health | 1:595 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 72.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,568/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
Laurel has a violent crime rate of 552 per 100,000 residents, 45% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,880 per 100,000, 47% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Laurel receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Laurel vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 551.7/100K |
| 45% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,880.4/100K |
| 47% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Laurel experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches. The area receives 31.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,041 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,041 ft (317 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 884/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8840°N, 92.9223°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Poweshiek County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
722 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 37 fatalities, 999 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
74 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
100 km |
13 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
60 km |
2 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
45 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
58 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
68 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Laurel has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Laurel. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $699 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $472 |
| Toddler | $464 |
| Preschool | $464 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Laurel
What is the population of Laurel?
Laurel has a population of 221 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 884 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.6% female and 58.4% male.
Is Laurel expensive to live in?
Laurel is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $59,167, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $104,300 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Laurel safe?
The violent crime rate in Laurel is 552 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,880 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Laurel receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Laurel?
Laurel has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 31.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Laurel?
The job market in Laurel is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,108. There are 699 business establishments in the area, including 47 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel is $104,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,919. For renters, the median monthly rent is $713. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,683.
How are the schools in Laurel?
Schools in Laurel score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.9% of adults in Laurel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Laurel?
The obesity rate in Laurel is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 19.9% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,162.
What is transportation like in Laurel?
The average commute in Laurel is 30 minutes. 77.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Laurel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Laurel is 100% White. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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