Median Income
$24,663
67% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,100
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
81/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.8%
95% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$973
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.2%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.8%
117% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
42.0%
239% higher than US avg
How Laurel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population474
Median Age28.0 yrs
Density1,975/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
F
Median Income$24,663
Per Capita$18,436
Unemployment7.8%
Poverty42.0%
County GDP$773M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,100
Rent$973
Ownership58.5%
Zillow$232,894
Housing Units304
Rent Burden42.9%
Crime
F
Violent81/100K
Property4,552/100K
Health
Obesity43.2%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking21.7%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation730 ft (223 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.8%
High School+77.6%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute27 min
Broadband69.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Laurel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Laurel receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Laurel has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Laurel is $24,663, 67% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 42.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Laurel is $76,100, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $973 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Laurel is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,552 per 100,000, 132% above the national average.
Education
1.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Laurel experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches, including 15.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Laurel has a population of 474 with a density of 1,975 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 28.0 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57% female and 43% male. The city is predominantly White (79.7%), with 3.4% Hispanic, 4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.0yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Laurel is $24,663, which is 67% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,436 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $858, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 42.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 366 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $24,663 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,436 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $858 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,995 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.8% |
| 117% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 42.0% |
| 239% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 366 |
| County GDP | $773M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 63 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,577 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.2% |
| Public Transit | 2.9% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Laurel is $76,100, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,894, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 75.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $973 (16% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 304 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,577. 42.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,100 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,894 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $50 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 75.1% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $973 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 42.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.5% |
| Housing Units | 304 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,577 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.70% |
In Laurel, 43.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 36.5% have high blood pressure. 21.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 29.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,428. The dentist ratio is 1:1,439. 43.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Laurel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.2% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.5% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.7% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.2% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,428 |
| Dentists | 1:1,439 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,887 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 54.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,835/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Laurel has a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,552 per 100,000, 132% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 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 | 81.0/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,552.1/100K |
| 132% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Laurel experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 293 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 45.6 inches. The area receives 15.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 730 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 730 ft (223 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,975/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5020°N, 85.1879°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Butler County Regional/Hogan Field (HAO)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.6"
20% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 23, 2013.
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
42 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
120 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
564 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 74 fatalities, 2,652 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
65 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
99 km |
36 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
92 km |
4 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF4 |
77 km |
4 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
28 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
62 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
71 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
72 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
63 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
60 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
63 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
63 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
72 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
74 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
72 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
68 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
73 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
74 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
69 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Laurel has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 27°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (2.5").
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) |
$233 ($140-$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187-$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93-$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746-$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70-$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140-$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23-$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47-$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140-$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373-$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93-$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56-$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47-$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140-$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732-$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373-$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132-$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467-$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665-$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866-$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746-$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187-$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933-$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70-$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80-$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33-$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33-$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80-$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73-$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56-$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75-$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47-$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70-$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120-$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28-$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560-$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467-$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187-$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23-$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373-$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665-$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47-$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140-$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93-$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Laurel
What is the population of Laurel?
Laurel has a population of 474 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,975 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57% female and 43% male.
Is Laurel expensive to live in?
Laurel is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $24,663, 67% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,100 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $973 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Laurel safe?
Laurel is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,552 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 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.6 inches, with 15.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Laurel?
The unemployment rate in Laurel is 7.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $858. There are 366 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel is $76,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,894. For renters, the median monthly rent is $973. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,577.
How are the schools in Laurel?
Schools in Laurel score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 1.8% of adults in Laurel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.6% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Laurel?
The obesity rate in Laurel is 43.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.7% of adults are smokers. 29.2% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 43.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,428.
What is transportation like in Laurel?
The average commute in Laurel is 27 minutes. 84.2% of workers drive alone to work, 2.9% use public transit, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Laurel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Laurel is 79.7% White, 4% Black or African American, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
