Laurens, SC
Population 9,307 · South Carolina
About Laurens, SC
Laurens is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 9,307 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,207 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.2 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 Laurens features a median home value of $139,800, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Laurens one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $795, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,307 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (1,721 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (2,095 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 Laurens shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 22.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Laurens have an average one-way commute time of 22.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.0% of Laurens 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 5.5% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 5.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Laurens, SC
Compared to national averages, Laurens has a median household income of $55,207 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $139,800, which is 43% below the national median. Monthly rent at $795 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Laurens's income is 6% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 31% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Laurens, SC?
Laurens offers affordable housing with a median home value of $139,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $795/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,207) that falls below the national average. However, Laurens’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Laurens has a population of 9,307 with a median age of 42.2 years. Compare Laurens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Laurens
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardeeville | 9,293 | $78,233 | $467,500 | Compare |
| Lugoff | 9,475 | $61,316 | $201,800 | Compare |
| Litchfield Beach | 9,544 | $74,451 | $409,100 | Compare |
| Seneca | 8,910 | $52,207 | $223,100 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 8,738 | $43,234 | $226,300 | Compare |
| Woodfield | 9,901 | $38,394 | $128,600 | Compare |
| York | 8,697 | $47,315 | $161,000 | Compare |
| Murrells Inlet | 10,087 | $75,438 | $355,800 | 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 Laurens With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Laurens
What is the population of Laurens, SC?
The population of Laurens, SC is 9,307 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 Laurens?
The median household income in Laurens, SC is $55,207 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laurens?
The median home value in Laurens, SC is $139,800, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Laurens?
The median monthly rent in Laurens, SC is $795, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laurens?
The unemployment rate in Laurens, SC is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Laurens, SC a good place to live?
Laurens offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 9,307 and a median age of 42.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Laurens, SC?
15.0% of residents in Laurens 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 Laurens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Laurens, SC: median home value is $139,800 (43% below national), median rent is $795/month, and median household income is $55,207. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Laurens?
The poverty rate in Laurens, SC is 22.0%, 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 Laurens, SC?
Laurens's population is 5.5% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 34.6% two or more races. 5.7% of residents are foreign-born.