Laurel Lake, NJ
Population 2,514 · New Jersey
About Laurel Lake, NJ
Laurel Lake is a small town located in New Jersey with a population of 2,514 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,633 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.1 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 Lake features a median home value of $138,100, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Laurel Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,171, 1% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,128 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (831 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (226 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Laurel Lake shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Laurel Lake have an average one-way commute time of 27.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.7% of Laurel Lake 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 1.2% White, 12.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Laurel Lake Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Laurel Lake, NJ
Compared to national averages, Laurel Lake has a median household income of $51,633 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $138,100, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,171 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Laurel Lake's income is 55% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 71% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Laurel Lake, NJ?
Laurel Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $138,100, below the US average of $244,900.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,633) that falls below the national average. However, Laurel Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Laurel Lake has a population of 2,514 with a median age of 44.1 years. Compare Laurel Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Laurel Lake
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whittingham | 2,516 | $75,764 | $386,600 | Compare |
| Belvidere | 2,526 | $100,334 | $269,200 | Compare |
| East Newark | 2,529 | $65,272 | $277,700 | Compare |
| West Berlin | 2,533 | $75,000 | $224,800 | Compare |
| Beverly | 2,489 | $92,807 | $190,100 | Compare |
| Peapack and Gladstone | 2,547 | $184,231 | $843,400 | Compare |
| Clearbrook | 2,477 | $34,958 | $245,300 | Compare |
| Thorofare | 2,419 | $87,344 | $272,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Jersey
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Laurel Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Laurel Lake
What is the population of Laurel Lake, NJ?
The population of Laurel Lake, NJ is 2,514 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Laurel Lake?
The median household income in Laurel Lake, NJ is $51,633 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laurel Lake?
The median home value in Laurel Lake, NJ is $138,100, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Laurel Lake?
The median monthly rent in Laurel Lake, NJ is $1,171, which is 1% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laurel Lake?
The unemployment rate in Laurel Lake, NJ is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Laurel Lake, NJ a good place to live?
Laurel Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,514 and a median age of 44.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Laurel Lake, NJ?
9.7% of residents in Laurel Lake 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 Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Laurel Lake, NJ: median home value is $138,100 (44% below national), median rent is $1,171/month, and median household income is $51,633. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Laurel Lake?
The poverty rate in Laurel Lake, NJ is 16.9%, 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 Lake, NJ?
Laurel Lake's population is 1.2% White, 12.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.