West Laurel, MD
Population 4,231 · Maryland
About West Laurel, MD
West Laurel is a small town located in Maryland with a population of 4,231 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $160,692 per year, which is 114% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Laurel features a median home value of $487,200, which is 99% above the national median of $244,900. This places West Laurel in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,492 total housing units, 97% are owner-occupied (1,403 units) and 3% are renter-occupied (45 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Laurel shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in West Laurel have an average one-way commute time of 39.1 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
46.8% of West 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 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 14.4% Asian residents, with 23.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Laurel, MD
Compared to national averages, West Laurel has a median household income of $160,692 (114% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $487,200, which is 99% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, West Laurel's income is 49% above the state average of $107,956, and home values are 21% above the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in West Laurel, MD?
West Laurel offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $160,692, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 46.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $487,200. However, West Laurel’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Laurel has a population of 4,231 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare West Laurel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near West Laurel
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sykesville | 4,346 | $135,692 | $398,600 | Compare |
| Burnt Mills | 4,111 | $109,402 | $568,100 | Compare |
| Pocomoke City | 4,360 | $52,163 | $188,700 | Compare |
| North East | 4,095 | $87,510 | $243,500 | Compare |
| La Vale | 4,388 | $77,634 | $171,300 | Compare |
| Delmar | 4,058 | $77,402 | $211,600 | Compare |
| National Harbor | 4,418 | $133,616 | $462,000 | Compare |
| Perryville | 4,425 | $75,543 | $267,700 | 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 West Laurel With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Laurel
What is the population of West Laurel, MD?
The population of West Laurel, MD is 4,231 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Maryland.
What is the median household income in West Laurel?
The median household income in West Laurel, MD is $160,692 per year, which is 114% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Laurel?
The median home value in West Laurel, MD is $487,200, which is 99% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Laurel?
The median monthly rent in West Laurel, MD is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Laurel?
The unemployment rate in West Laurel, MD is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is West Laurel, MD a good place to live?
West Laurel offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,231 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Laurel, MD?
46.8% of residents in West 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 West Laurel?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Laurel, MD: median home value is $487,200 (99% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $160,692. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West Laurel?
The poverty rate in West Laurel, MD is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is West Laurel, MD?
West Laurel's population is 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 14.4% Asian, and 18.1% two or more races. 23.8% of residents are foreign-born.