Laurel Bay, SC
Population 5,627 · South Carolina
About Laurel Bay, SC
Laurel Bay is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 5,627 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,094 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.3 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 Bay features a median home value of $221,300, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Laurel Bay in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,375, 18% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,193 total housing units, 24% are owner-occupied (491 units) and 76% are renter-occupied (1,534 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Laurel Bay shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Laurel Bay have an average one-way commute time of 24.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.4% of Laurel Bay 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 3.5% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Black or African American, and 6.5% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Laurel Bay, SC
Compared to national averages, Laurel Bay has a median household income of $52,094 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $221,300, which is 10% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,375 is 18% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Laurel Bay's income is 11% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 9% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Laurel Bay, SC?
Laurel Bay offers affordable housing with a median home value of $221,300, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and short commute times averaging just 24.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,094) that falls below the national average. However, Laurel Bay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Laurel Bay has a population of 5,627 with a median age of 23.3 years. Compare Laurel Bay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Laurel Bay
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walterboro | 5,490 | $48,366 | $170,500 | Compare |
| Piedmont | 5,786 | $51,896 | $141,200 | Compare |
| Belvedere | 5,458 | $57,933 | $120,400 | Compare |
| Hollywood | 5,330 | $77,415 | $450,400 | Compare |
| Blythewood | 5,309 | $105,583 | $368,300 | Compare |
| Central | 5,299 | $58,262 | $228,500 | Compare |
| Chester | 5,241 | $41,231 | $106,400 | Compare |
| Lake City | 6,032 | $35,000 | $133,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Laurel Bay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Laurel Bay
What is the population of Laurel Bay, SC?
The population of Laurel Bay, SC is 5,627 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Laurel Bay?
The median household income in Laurel Bay, SC is $52,094 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laurel Bay?
The median home value in Laurel Bay, SC is $221,300, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Laurel Bay?
The median monthly rent in Laurel Bay, SC is $1,375, which is 18% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laurel Bay?
The unemployment rate in Laurel Bay, SC is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Laurel Bay, SC a good place to live?
Laurel Bay offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,627 and a median age of 23.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Laurel Bay, SC?
20.4% of residents in Laurel Bay 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 Bay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Laurel Bay, SC: median home value is $221,300 (10% below national), median rent is $1,375/month, and median household income is $52,094. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Laurel Bay?
The poverty rate in Laurel Bay, SC is 17.9%, 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 Bay, SC?
Laurel Bay's population is 3.5% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Black or African American, 6.5% Asian, and 37.9% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.