Laurel, MD
Population 29,594 · Maryland
About Laurel, MD
Laurel is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 29,594 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $94,063 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Laurel features a median home value of $367,300, which is 50% above 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 $1,878, 61% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,596 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (5,196 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (6,648 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 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Laurel have an average one-way commute time of 32.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
44.5% of Laurel residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.0% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 17.2% Asian residents, with 32.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Laurel Ranks in Maryland
Cost of Living in Laurel, MD
Compared to national averages, Laurel has a median household income of $94,063 (25% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $367,300, which is 50% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,878 is 61% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Laurel's income is 13% below the state average of $107,956, and home values are 9% below the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Laurel, MD?
Laurel offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $94,063, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 44.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average.
Laurel has a population of 29,594 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Laurel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Laurel
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crofton | 29,878 | $147,250 | $507,000 | Compare |
| Clarksburg | 29,246 | $178,641 | $646,200 | Compare |
| Perry Hall | 28,908 | $104,709 | $332,000 | Compare |
| Parkville | 30,423 | $78,405 | $251,100 | Compare |
| Carney | 28,624 | $84,619 | $299,200 | Compare |
| Eldersburg | 30,626 | $146,598 | $478,800 | Compare |
| Reisterstown | 27,764 | $79,812 | $332,300 | Compare |
| South Laurel | 27,736 | $90,715 | $443,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maryland
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, MD?
The population of Laurel, MD is 29,594 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Maryland.
What is the median household income in Laurel?
The median household income in Laurel, MD is $94,063 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel, MD is $367,300, which is 50% above 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, MD is $1,878, which is 61% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laurel?
The unemployment rate in Laurel, MD is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Laurel, MD a good place to live?
Laurel offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 29,594 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Laurel, MD?
44.5% 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, MD: median home value is $367,300 (50% above national), median rent is $1,878/month, and median household income is $94,063. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Laurel?
The poverty rate in Laurel, MD is 9.1%, 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, MD?
Laurel's population is 3.0% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 17.2% Asian, and 48.8% two or more races. 32.8% of residents are foreign-born.