Median Income
$45,640
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$140,800
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
302/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.0%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$794
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.8%
140% higher than US avg
How Laureles Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,505
Median Age27.9 yrs
Density730/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 51%
Veterans0.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$45,640
Per Capita$12,634
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty29.8%
County GDP$17,387M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$140,800
Rent$794
Ownership87.8%
Zillow$212,493
Housing Units1,211
Rent Burden30.5%
Crime
F
Violent302/100K
Property2,020/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured39.3%
Smoking13.3%
Depression18.4%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp75°F (24°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain23.3 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation20 ft (6 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.0%
High School+54.4%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 47%
Commute22 min
Broadband83.8%
EV Stations10
Libraries9
Is Laureles a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Laureles receives an overall livability score of 2.5 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, a high uninsured rate. Laureles has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Laureles is $45,640, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 29.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Laureles is $140,800, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $794 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
Violent crime in Laureles is below the national average at 302 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,020 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
9.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 54.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Laureles has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F. Winters average 61°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. With 312 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Laureles has a population of 3,505 with a density of 730 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 27.9 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (50.7%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 28.3% of residents, while 71.7% speak Spanish. 0.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 52.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.9yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
28.3%
64% below US avg
Spanish
71.7%
435% above US avg
The median household income in Laureles is $45,640, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $12,634 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $857, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 29.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,200 business establishments, including 815 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,640 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $12,634 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $857 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,428 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.8% |
| 140% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,200 |
| County GDP | $17,387M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 815 |
| Healthcare | 1,060 |
| Retail | 1,030 |
| Manufacturing | 186 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.5% |
The median home value in Laureles is $140,800, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,493, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $794 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,211 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1998. The average annual property tax is $6,394 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $140,800 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $212,493 |
| Median List Price | $340,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $340,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $289 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $794 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,211 |
| Median Year Built | 1998 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.54% |
In Laureles, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 16.3% report binge drinking. 37.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.4% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 39.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,034. The dentist ratio is 1:3,127. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Laureles vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 8.5% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 4.2% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.7% |
| Depression | 18.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 39.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 52.4% |
| Uninsured | 39.3% |
| 357% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,034 |
| Dentists | 1:3,127 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,028 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.9% |
| Dental Visits | 46.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,065/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,060 |
Laureles has a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 residents, 20% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,020 per 100,000, 3% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 32 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Laureles receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Laureles vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 302.2/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,019.7/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 32 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Laureles has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winters average 61°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. The area gets 312 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 23.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 20 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
61°F Jan (16°C)
85°F Jul (30°C)
| Annual Average | 74.8°F |
| 39% above US avg |
| January Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (30°C) |
| Sunny Days | 312 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 20 ft (6 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 730/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.1197°N, 97.4892°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cameron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valley International (HRL)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.3"
39% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0363 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 28, 2021.
| Jun 28, 2021 |
96 km E of South Padre Island, Texas |
M2.7 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 1 |
279 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
245 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
65 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
153 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
203 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
31 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
147 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
274 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
92 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
85 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
204 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
80 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 5 |
29 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
122 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 37 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 15, 1983 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1970 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1967 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1962 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2023 |
EF1 |
23 km |
1 |
| Oct 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2011 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1997 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1994 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1988 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1981 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1980 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURNS RANCH FIRE (58,395 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BURNS RANCH FIRE |
58,395 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
HAYFIELD SOUTH |
11,038 |
72 km |
| 2017 |
CANE |
8,802 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
POLO |
5,571 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
KING RANCH |
3,075 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
SAN CARLOS |
2,849 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
STILLMAN |
1,466 |
75 km |
| 2024 |
MILE MARKER 32 |
1,426 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
61°F (16°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| February |
62°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
68°F (20°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| April |
74°F (23°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
79°F (26°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
83°F (28°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| July |
85°F (30°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
67°F (20°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
61°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
Laureles has a seasonal temperature swing of 24°F / from 61°F in December to 85°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (6.0") and March the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Laureles. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $667 |
| Toddler | $632 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $611 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $580 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Laureles
What is the population of Laureles?
Laureles has a population of 3,505 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 730 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Laureles expensive to live in?
Laureles has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $45,640, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $140,800 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $794 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 Laureles safe?
Laureles is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,020 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Laureles receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Laureles?
Laureles has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 61°F in January, while summers reach an average of 85°F in July. The area receives 312 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Laureles?
The unemployment rate in Laureles is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $857. There are 7,200 business establishments in the area, including 815 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 8.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Laureles?
The median home value in Laureles is $140,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,493. For renters, the median monthly rent is $794. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,394.
How are the schools in Laureles?
Schools in Laureles score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.0% of adults in Laureles hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 54.4% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Laureles?
The obesity rate in Laureles is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 37.7% are physically inactive. 18.4% of residents report depression. 39.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,034.
What is transportation like in Laureles?
The average commute in Laureles is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Laureles?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Laureles is 50.7% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 28.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 71.7% speak Spanish. 0.8% of the population are military veterans. 8.9% of residents have a disability. 52.4% have health insurance coverage.
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