Laurel, FL
Population 11,868 · Florida
About Laurel, FL
Laurel is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 11,868 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $89,282 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 62.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Laurel features a median home value of $450,200, which is 84% above the national median of $244,900. This places Laurel in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,411, 21% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,317 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (5,186 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (712 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Laurel shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Laurel have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
41.9% of Laurel residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 10.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Laurel, FL
Compared to national averages, Laurel has a median household income of $89,282 (19% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $450,200, which is 84% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,411 is 21% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Laurel's income is 18% above the state average of $75,893, and home values are 27% above the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Laurel, FL?
Laurel offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $89,282, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 41.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $450,200. However, Laurel’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Laurel has a population of 11,868 with a median age of 62.9 years. Compare Laurel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Laurel
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lantana | 11,845 | $69,677 | $374,800 | Compare |
| Middleburg | 11,911 | $70,877 | $241,700 | Compare |
| Westview | 11,823 | $53,840 | $333,500 | Compare |
| South Miami | 11,926 | $88,313 | $736,900 | Compare |
| Gulfport | 11,735 | $68,617 | $335,100 | Compare |
| Shady Hills | 12,012 | $63,250 | $225,600 | Compare |
| Goulds | 12,019 | $58,291 | $415,100 | Compare |
| Medulla | 11,712 | $72,604 | $288,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Florida
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, FL?
The population of Laurel, FL is 11,868 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Florida.
What is the median household income in Laurel?
The median household income in Laurel, FL is $89,282 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel, FL is $450,200, which is 84% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Laurel?
The median monthly rent in Laurel, FL is $1,411, which is 21% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laurel?
The unemployment rate in Laurel, FL is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Laurel, FL a good place to live?
Laurel offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,868 and a median age of 62.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Laurel, FL?
41.9% of residents in Laurel aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Laurel?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Laurel, FL: median home value is $450,200 (84% above national), median rent is $1,411/month, and median household income is $89,282. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Laurel?
The poverty rate in Laurel, FL is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Laurel, FL?
Laurel's population is 0.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 10.2% of residents are foreign-born.