Laurel, NE
Population 947 · Nebraska
About Laurel, NE
Laurel is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 947 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,250 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Laurel features a median home value of $152,500, which is 38% below 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 $719, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 468 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (296 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (138 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Laurel shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Laurel have an average one-way commute time of 21.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.8% of 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 2.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Laurel Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Laurel, NE
Compared to national averages, Laurel has a median household income of $56,250 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,500, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $719 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Laurel's income is 15% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 21% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Laurel, NE?
Laurel offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $719/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 37.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 21.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,250) 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 947 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Laurel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Laurel
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benkelman | 946 | $42,500 | $84,800 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 950 | $75,417 | $218,400 | Compare |
| Crawford | 957 | $58,438 | $75,600 | Compare |
| Newman Grove | 934 | $57,000 | $82,500 | Compare |
| Pawnee City | 930 | $38,611 | $57,000 | Compare |
| Crofton | 920 | $80,000 | $119,000 | Compare |
| Henderson | 918 | $76,538 | $142,700 | Compare |
| Tilden | 977 | $66,731 | $116,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Nebraska
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, NE?
The population of Laurel, NE is 947 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Laurel?
The median household income in Laurel, NE is $56,250 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel, NE is $152,500, which is 38% 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, NE is $719, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laurel?
The unemployment rate in Laurel, NE is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Laurel, NE a good place to live?
Laurel offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 947 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Laurel, NE?
37.8% 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, NE: median home value is $152,500 (38% below national), median rent is $719/month, and median household income is $56,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Laurel?
The poverty rate in Laurel, NE is 14.9%, 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, NE?
Laurel's population is 2.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.