Median Income
$37,781
50% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,200
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
677/100K
78% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.4%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$839
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.4%
48% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.9%
109% higher than US avg
How Laurel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population17,129
Median Age35.6 yrs
Density928/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 29%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$37,781
Per Capita$27,893
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty25.9%
County GDP$3,600M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,200
Rent$839
Ownership61.1%
Zillow$143,159
Housing Units7,710
Rent Burden39.1%
Crime
F
Violent677/100K
Property4,331/100K
Murder10.8/100K
Assault476/100K
Burglary1,381/100K
Health
Obesity47.4%
Uninsured15.4%
Smoking20.1%
Depression18.4%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain59.6 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation281 ft (86 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.4%
High School+85.0%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score4.64
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute17 min
Broadband71.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Laurel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Laurel receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Laurel has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Laurel is $37,781, 50% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 25.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Laurel is $110,200, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $839 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 677 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,331 per 100,000, 121% above the national average.
Education
20.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Laurel enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 59.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Laurel has a population of 17,129 with a density of 928 people per square mile, spread across 18.5 square miles. The median age is 35.6 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly Black (64.7%), with 29.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.6yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.1%
62% below US avg
The median household income in Laurel is $37,781, which is 50% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,893 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $916, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 25.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,434 business establishments, including 134 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,781 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,893 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $916 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,231 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.9% |
| 109% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,434 |
| County GDP | $3,600M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 134 |
| Healthcare | 122 |
| Retail | 261 |
| Manufacturing | 56 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,283 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Laurel is $110,200, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,159, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $839 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 7,710 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $3,283. 39.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,200 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $143,159 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $839 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.9% |
| Housing Units | 7,710 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,283 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.98% |
In Laurel, 47.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 48.3% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.8% report binge drinking. 41.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.4% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 15.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,023. The dentist ratio is 1:1,752. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-25)
PM2.5
6.2
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
6.7
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
123.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Laurel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.4% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 48.3% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.4% |
| Depression | 18.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.5% |
| Uninsured | 15.4% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,023 |
| Dentists | 1:1,752 |
| Mental Health | 1:586 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.5% |
| Dental Visits | 7.3% |
| Premature Death | 13,749/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 122 |
Laurel has a violent crime rate of 677 per 100,000 residents, 78% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 476.4 per 100,000, robbery at 113.7, rape at 75.8. The murder rate is 10.8 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,331 per 100,000, 121% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,653, burglary at 1,381, vehicle theft at 298 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 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 | 676.7/100K |
| 78% above US avg |
| Murder | 10.8/100K |
| 72% above US avg |
| Rape | 75.8/100K |
| Robbery | 113.7/100K |
| Assault | 476.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,331.1/100K |
| 121% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,380.5/100K |
| Theft | 2,652.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 297.8/100K |
| Arson | 5.4/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 76 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Laurel enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 306 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 59.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 281 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.5°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 281 ft (86 m) |
| Area | 18.5 sq mi (47.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 928/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.6951°N, 89.1450°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jones County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hattiesburg/Laurel Regional (PIB) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
59.6"
57% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.26"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jul 16, 1993 |
2 km SSW of Silas, Alabama |
M3.7 |
76 km |
| Mar 25, 1996 |
11 km NNE of Quitman, Mississippi |
M3.5 |
66 km |
| Jun 24, 1998 |
11 km W of Demopolis, Alabama |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
9 km NNE of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
7 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Jun 29, 2015 |
6 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| May 16, 2008 |
10 km W of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
5 km NNE of Magee, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
58 km |
| May 21, 2002 |
7 km ESE of York, Alabama |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
Mississippi |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| May 7, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Bellamy, Alabama |
M2.8 |
123 km |
| Aug 17, 2015 |
9 km N of Madison, Mississippi |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
3 km NW of Epes, Alabama |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Sep 5, 2000 |
2 km NNE of Sweet Water, Alabama |
M2.5 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
17 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
287 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
199 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
40 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
193 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
145 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
286 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
202 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
33 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
141 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
124 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
187 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
236 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
198 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
277 km |
| 1988 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
267 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
127 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
771 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 61 fatalities, 1,506 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF4 |
64 km |
7 |
| Feb 10, 2013 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
50 km |
7 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 1987 |
EF4 |
24 km |
6 |
| Mar 12, 1986 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1978 |
EF4 |
94 km |
4 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1967 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| May 1, 1953 |
EF4 |
95 km |
2 |
| Jun 18, 2023 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Nov 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 2017 |
EF3 |
65 km |
4 |
| Dec 23, 2014 |
EF3 |
84 km |
3 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WHITE DOG (12,306 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
WHITE DOG |
12,306 |
64 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,363 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
10,170 |
79 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
9,932 |
65 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 0902 |
8,713 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
7,059 |
81 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
6,802 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,712 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
COW PEN |
6,502 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
CRIPPLE CHINOOK |
6,035 |
65 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,819 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
5,803 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,657 |
69 km |
| 1987 |
MACHINE GUN |
5,601 |
65 km |
| 1990 |
PIERCES CREEK |
5,544 |
66 km |
| 2020 |
369 D |
5,362 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,062 |
27 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,999 |
27 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,991 |
61 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,899 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (9°C) |
5.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
58°F (14°C) |
6.3 in |
Wettest |
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
49°F (10°C) |
5.5 in |
|
Laurel has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 47°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 58.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.3") and October the driest (3.3").
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) |
$218 ($131–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174–$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696–$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348–$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131–$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480–$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348–$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785–$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435–$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350–$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740–$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696–$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870–$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65–$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61–$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18–$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61–$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48–$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44–$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044–$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522–$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435–$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348–$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350–$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $503 |
| Toddler | $458 |
| Preschool | $458 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Laurel
What is the population of Laurel?
Laurel has a population of 17,129 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 928 people per square mile, spread across 18.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Laurel expensive to live in?
Laurel is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $37,781, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,200 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $839 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Laurel safe?
Public safety is a concern in Laurel, with a violent crime rate of 677 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,331 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 59.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Laurel?
Laurel has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $916. There are 1,434 business establishments in the area, including 134 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel is $110,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,159. For renters, the median monthly rent is $839. Fair market rent is $782 for a 1-bedroom and $924 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,283.
How are the schools in Laurel?
Schools in Laurel have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 20.4% of adults in Laurel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.0% have completed high school. 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Laurel?
The obesity rate in Laurel is 47.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 41.4% are physically inactive. 18.4% of residents report depression. 15.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,023.
What is transportation like in Laurel?
The average commute in Laurel is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.3% 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 29.1% White, 64.7% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability. 87.5% have health insurance coverage.