Median Income
$55,207
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$139,800
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.0%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$795
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.0%
37% higher than US avg
How Laurens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,307
Median Age42.2 yrs
Density912/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,207
Per Capita$31,735
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty17.0%
County GDP$2,914M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$139,800
Rent$795
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$182,995
Health
Obesity38.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain50.2 in/yr
Elevation593 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.0%
High School+80.3%
School Score4.49
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute23 min
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Laurens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Laurens receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. 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 $55,207, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. The poverty rate of 17.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Laurens is $139,800, 50% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $795 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Laurens enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Laurens has a population of 9,307 with a density of 912 people per square mile. The median age is 42.2 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (57.3%), with 34.6% Black.
Population
42.2yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 96.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Spanish | 3.5% |
| 74% below US avg |
The median household income in Laurens is $55,207, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,207 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,735 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,027 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,049 |
| County GDP | $2,914M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 68 |
| Retail | 196 |
| Manufacturing | 79 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,275 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Laurens is $139,800, 50% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $795 (32% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,995.
Home Values
| Census Median | $139,800 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $182,995 |
| Median List Price | $210,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $210,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $123 |
| Homes Sold | 10 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.0% |
| Price Drops | 35.1% |
| Inventory | 57 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $795 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $873 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $863 |
| 1 Bedroom | $869 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,133 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,358 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,625 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,275 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.63% |
In Laurens, 38.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.5% report depression. 32.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Laurens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.5% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 14.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.4% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 79.6% |
| Premature Death | 13,904/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 52.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
Crime Rates: Laurens vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
Safety Score
Laurens has an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation is 50.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 60.6°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 50.2 inches |
| 32% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 593 ft (181 m) |
| Area | 10.2 sq mi (26.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 912/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.5027°N, 82.0214°W |
| County FIPS | 45059 |