Median Income
$56,250
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,500
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
171/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.8%
12% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$719
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Laurel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population947
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density712/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,250
Per Capita$35,138
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$562M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,500
Rent$719
Ownership68.2%
Zillow$207,607
Housing Units464
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent171/100K
Property2,456/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking13.1%
Depression18.0%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.5 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,480 ft (451 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+37.8%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+11.8%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute21 min
Broadband91.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Laurel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Laurel receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Laurel offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Laurel is $56,250, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Laurel is $152,500, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Laurel is below the national average at 171 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,456 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Laurel experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.5 inches, including 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Laurel has a population of 947 with a density of 712 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Laurel is $56,250, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,138. The average weekly wage is $857, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 342 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,250 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,138 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $857 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,007 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 342 |
| County GDP | $562M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,860 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Laurel is $152,500, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,607, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $719 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 464 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $2,860 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,500 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $207,607 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $719 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.8% |
| Housing Units | 464 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,860 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.88% |
In Laurel, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 18.0% report depression. 15.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,330. The dentist ratio is 1:2,790. 53.9% 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 | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 18.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:8,330 |
| Dentists | 1:2,790 |
| Mental Health | 1:8,262 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,345/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Laurel has a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,456 per 100,000, 25% 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 | 170.8/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,456.5/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 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 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 27.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 32.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,480 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,480 ft (451 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 712/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4286°N, 97.0964°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cedar County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.5"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
38 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
93 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
77 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
71 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
617 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 285 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
20 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
94 km |
6 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Laurel has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.6").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Laurel
What is the population of Laurel?
Laurel has a population of 947 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 712 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Laurel expensive to live in?
Laurel is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $56,250, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,500 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Laurel safe?
Laurel is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,456 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 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.5 inches, with 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Laurel?
The job market in Laurel is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $857. There are 342 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel is $152,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,607. For renters, the median monthly rent is $719. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,860.
How are the schools in Laurel?
Schools in Laurel score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.8% of adults in Laurel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 11.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Laurel?
The obesity rate in Laurel is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 18.0% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,330.
What is transportation like in Laurel?
The average commute in Laurel is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Laurel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Laurel is 90% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
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