Laurel, DE
Population 4,043 · Delaware
About Laurel, DE
Laurel is a small town located in Delaware with a population of 4,043 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,593 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Laurel features a median home value of $192,700, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Laurel in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $924, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,563 total housing units, 36% are owner-occupied (510 units) and 64% are renter-occupied (904 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Laurel shows an unemployment rate of 12.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 35.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Laurel have an average one-way commute time of 29.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.8% of Laurel residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Black or African American, and 31.2% Asian residents, with 23.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Laurel Ranks in Delaware
Cost of Living in Laurel, DE
Compared to national averages, Laurel has a median household income of $44,593 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $192,700, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $924 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Delaware, Laurel's income is 48% below the state average of $85,962, and home values are 50% below the state median of $387,860.
Why Live in Laurel, DE?
Laurel offers affordable housing with a median home value of $192,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $924/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,593) that falls below the national average. However, Laurel’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Laurel has a population of 4,043 with a median age of 30 years. Compare Laurel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Delaware.
Similar Cities Near Laurel
Cities in Delaware with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camden | 4,011 | $61,895 | $268,800 | Compare |
| Clayton | 4,086 | $103,211 | $343,700 | Compare |
| Rising Sun-Lebanon | 4,195 | $109,167 | $388,600 | Compare |
| Harrington | 3,805 | $72,606 | $222,100 | Compare |
| Highland Acres | 3,661 | $101,685 | $293,600 | Compare |
| Milton | 3,469 | $64,906 | $376,600 | Compare |
| Lewes | 3,415 | $92,375 | $806,700 | Compare |
| Greenville | 3,100 | $139,541 | $1,003,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Delaware
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Laurel With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Laurel
What is the population of Laurel, DE?
The population of Laurel, DE is 4,043 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Delaware.
What is the median household income in Laurel?
The median household income in Laurel, DE is $44,593 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel, DE is $192,700, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Laurel?
The median monthly rent in Laurel, DE is $924, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laurel?
The unemployment rate in Laurel, DE is 12.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Laurel, DE a good place to live?
Laurel offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,043 and a median age of 30, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Laurel, DE?
6.8% of residents in Laurel aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Laurel?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Laurel, DE: median home value is $192,700 (21% below national), median rent is $924/month, and median household income is $44,593. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Laurel?
The poverty rate in Laurel, DE is 35.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Laurel, DE?
Laurel's population is 1.1% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Black or African American, 31.2% Asian, and 39.2% two or more races. 23.8% of residents are foreign-born.