Laurel, IA
Population 221 · Iowa
About Laurel, IA
Laurel is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 221 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,167 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.1 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 $104,300, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Laurel one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $713, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 146 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (97 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (15 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Laurel shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Laurel have an average one-way commute time of 30 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.9% 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Laurel, IA
Compared to national averages, Laurel has a median household income of $59,167 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,300, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $713 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Laurel's income is 13% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 21% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Laurel, IA?
Laurel offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $713/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,167) 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 221 with a median age of 51.1 years. Compare Laurel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Laurel
What is the population of Laurel, IA?
The population of Laurel, IA is 221 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Laurel?
The median household income in Laurel, IA is $59,167 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel, IA is $104,300, which is 57% below 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, IA is $713, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laurel?
The unemployment rate in Laurel, IA is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Laurel, IA a good place to live?
Laurel offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 221 and a median age of 51.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Laurel, IA?
9.9% 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, IA: median home value is $104,300 (57% below national), median rent is $713/month, and median household income is $59,167. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Laurel?
The poverty rate in Laurel, IA is 10.9%, 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, IA?
Laurel's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.