South Laurel, MD
Population 27,736 · Maryland
About South Laurel, MD
South Laurel is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 27,736 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $90,715 per year, which is 21% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Laurel features a median home value of $443,100, which is 81% above the national median of $244,900. This places South Laurel in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,795, 54% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,450 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (4,382 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (6,555 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 South Laurel shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in South Laurel have an average one-way commute time of 32.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
41.2% of South 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 6.0% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 12.6% Asian residents, with 32.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How South Laurel Ranks in Maryland
Cost of Living in South Laurel, MD
Compared to national averages, South Laurel has a median household income of $90,715 (21% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $443,100, which is 81% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,795 is 54% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, South Laurel's income is 16% below the state average of $107,956, and home values are 10% above the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in South Laurel, MD?
South Laurel offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $90,715, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 41.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $443,100. However, South Laurel’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Laurel has a population of 27,736 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare South Laurel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near South Laurel
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reisterstown | 27,764 | $79,812 | $332,300 | Compare |
| Lochearn | 27,591 | $76,256 | $265,200 | Compare |
| Ilchester | 27,552 | $150,783 | $498,500 | Compare |
| Carney | 28,624 | $84,619 | $299,200 | Compare |
| Perry Hall | 28,908 | $104,709 | $332,000 | Compare |
| Clarksburg | 29,246 | $178,641 | $646,200 | Compare |
| Elkridge | 26,183 | $135,412 | $438,200 | Compare |
| Fairland | 26,183 | $87,924 | $440,800 | 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 South Laurel With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Laurel
What is the population of South Laurel, MD?
The population of South Laurel, MD is 27,736 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 South Laurel?
The median household income in South Laurel, MD is $90,715 per year, which is 21% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Laurel?
The median home value in South Laurel, MD is $443,100, which is 81% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in South Laurel?
The median monthly rent in South Laurel, MD is $1,795, which is 54% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Laurel?
The unemployment rate in South Laurel, MD is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Laurel, MD a good place to live?
South Laurel offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 27,736 and a median age of 36.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Laurel, MD?
41.2% of residents in South 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 South Laurel?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Laurel, MD: median home value is $443,100 (81% above national), median rent is $1,795/month, and median household income is $90,715. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in South Laurel?
The poverty rate in South Laurel, MD is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is South Laurel, MD?
South Laurel's population is 6.0% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 12.6% Asian, and 58.3% two or more races. 32.6% of residents are foreign-born.