Median Income
$54,750
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,000
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
186/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.2%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.6%
42% higher than US avg
How Laurens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population155
Median Age50.1 yrs
Density1,192/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,750
Per Capita$32,123
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty17.6%
County GDP$3,518M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,000
Rent$850
Ownership74.0%
Zillow$375,218
Housing Units150
Rent Burden18.9%
Crime
F
Violent186/100K
Property1,776/100K
Health
Obesity32.2%
Uninsured5.7%
Smoking14.0%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain44.8 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation1,114 ft (340 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+78.5%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 46%
Commute26 min
Broadband73.0%
EV Stations17
Libraries13
Is Laurens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Laurens receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Laurens offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Laurens is $54,750, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 17.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Laurens is $125,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Laurens is below the national average at 186 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,776 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Laurens has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 44.8 inches, including 83.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Laurens has a population of 155 with a density of 1,192 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 50.1 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.2% female and 45.8% male. The city is predominantly White (91.6%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 21.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.1yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Laurens is $54,750, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,123 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,160, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,538 business establishments, including 190 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,750 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,123 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,160 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,606 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.6% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,538 |
| County GDP | $3,518M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 190 |
| Healthcare | 156 |
| Retail | 243 |
| Manufacturing | 56 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,079 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 97.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Laurens is $125,000, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $375,218, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 150 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $7,079 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $375,218 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.0% |
| Housing Units | 150 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,079 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.66% |
In Laurens, 32.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 5.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:727. The dentist ratio is 1:2,246. 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Laurens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.2% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.7% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:727 |
| Dentists | 1:2,246 |
| Mental Health | 1:439 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,049/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 156 |
Laurens has a violent crime rate of 186 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,776 per 100,000, 9% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Laurens receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Laurens vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 186.2/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,776.4/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Laurens has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.8 inches. The area receives 83.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,114 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,114 ft (340 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,192/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5313°N, 75.0887°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Otsego County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albert S Nader Regional (ONH) 1 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.8"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.1 on Mar 11, 2020.
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
35 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.2 |
81 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 |
0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
12 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M3.1 |
80 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
80 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.9 |
81 km |
| Mar 22, 2009 |
9 km SW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
83 km |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.7 |
81 km |
| Feb 27, 2008 |
2 km SW of Central Bridge, New York |
M2.7 |
62 km |
| Feb 20, 2009 |
15 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
81 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
13 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.6 |
80 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
14 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.6 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
201 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
151 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 75 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2014 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
68 km |
4 |
| May 29, 2013 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2003 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
56 km |
2 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1972 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1961 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHERRYTOWN FIRE (943 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
CHERRYTOWN FIRE |
943 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
WHITEHOUSE |
607 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Laurens has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 21°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Laurens. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Laurens
What is the population of Laurens?
Laurens has a population of 155 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,192 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.2% female and 45.8% male.
Is Laurens expensive to live in?
Laurens is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,750, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,000 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Laurens safe?
Laurens is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 186 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,776 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Laurens receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Laurens?
Laurens has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 44.8 inches, with 83.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Laurens?
The job market in Laurens is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,160. There are 1,538 business establishments in the area, including 190 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Laurens?
The median home value in Laurens is $125,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $375,218. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.0%. The average annual property tax is $7,079.
How are the schools in Laurens?
Schools in Laurens score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.5% of adults in Laurens hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.5% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Laurens?
The obesity rate in Laurens is 32.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 5.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:727.
What is transportation like in Laurens?
The average commute in Laurens is 26 minutes. 97.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Laurens?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Laurens is 91.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.5% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.