Laurel, MS
Population 17,129 · Mississippi
About Laurel, MS
Laurel is a mid-sized city in Mississippi with a population of 17,129 residents. The median household income is $37,781 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Laurel is 35.6 years.
Housing in Laurel has a median home value of $110,200 and median monthly rent of $839. Of the 7,692 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 4,032 owner-occupied and 2,565 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Laurel is 5.6% and the poverty rate is 31.6%. 20.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17 minutes.
How Laurel Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Laurel, MS
Compared to national averages, Laurel has a median household income of $37,781 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $110,200, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $839 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Laurel's income is 24% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 12% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Laurel, MS?
Laurel offers affordable housing with a median home value of $110,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $839/month, and short commute times averaging just 17 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,781) 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 17,129 with a median age of 35.6 years. Compare Laurel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Laurel
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | 16,876 | $71,121 | $205,300 | Compare |
| Hernando | 17,580 | $71,451 | $282,200 | Compare |
| Ocean Springs | 18,561 | $78,929 | $235,100 | Compare |
| Gautier | 19,026 | $62,480 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Corinth | 14,450 | $41,243 | $164,200 | Compare |
| Clarksdale | 14,423 | $35,210 | $84,200 | Compare |
| Natchez | 14,207 | $35,613 | $114,100 | Compare |
| Greenwood | 13,983 | $34,659 | $98,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
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, MS?
The population of Laurel, MS is 17,129 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Laurel?
The median household income in Laurel, MS is $37,781 per year.
What is the median home value in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel, MS is $110,200.
What is the average rent in Laurel?
The median monthly rent in Laurel, MS is $839.
What is the unemployment rate in Laurel?
The unemployment rate in Laurel, MS is 5.6%.