Median Income
$24,663
67% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,100
73% 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%
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
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$232,894
Health
Obesity43.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Elevation730 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.8%
High School+77.6%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute27 min
Libraries2
Is Laurel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Laurel receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. 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.
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 6/10.
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. 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. The median age is 28.0 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (79.7%), with 3.4% Hispanic, 4% Black.
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. The unemployment rate is 7.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 42.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $24,663 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,436 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $858 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,995 |
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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Laurel is $76,100, 73% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $973 (16% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,894.
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 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
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 32.1% national rate). 28.6% report depression. 29.2% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.2% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,835/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Crime Rates: Laurel vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
Safety Score
Laurel has an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation is 45.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
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) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 45.6 inches |
| 20% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 15.9 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
| County FIPS | 18047 |