Laurel, MS
Population 17,129 · Mississippi
About Laurel, MS
Laurel is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 17,129 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,781 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Laurel features a median home value of $110,200, which is 55% 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 $839, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,692 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (4,032 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (2,565 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Laurel shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Laurel have an average one-way commute time of 17 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.4% 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 5.3% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Laurel With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Laurel
What is the population of Laurel, MS?
The population of Laurel, MS is 17,129 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Laurel?
The median household income in Laurel, MS is $37,781 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel, MS is $110,200, which is 55% 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, MS is $839, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laurel?
The unemployment rate in Laurel, MS is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Laurel, MS a good place to live?
Laurel offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,129 and a median age of 35.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Laurel, MS?
20.4% 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, MS: median home value is $110,200 (55% below national), median rent is $839/month, and median household income is $37,781. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Laurel?
The poverty rate in Laurel, MS is 31.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Laurel, MS?
Laurel's population is 5.3% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 64.7% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.