Laurel, DE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,152
2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,644/yr
9.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,710
9.4% year-over-year change

Laurel population

How many people live in Laurel

Laurel is home to 4,152 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Laurel locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
4,152
2.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
2,030
Female
51.1%
2,122
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,030 48.9% 6.8%
Female 2,122 51.1% -1.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Laurel is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 28.1% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.4% of the population, while another 17% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
33
Age breakdown
Under 15
28.1%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
28.4%
45 to 64
17%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,166 28.1% -8.4%
15 to 24 451 10.9% -3.4%
25 to 44 1,177 28.4% -1.1%
45 to 64 704 17% 17.5%
Over 65 654 15.8% 27.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Laurel, 81.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 26.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.7%
Non-citizens
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,382 81.4% 10.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 444 10.7% 3.3%
Non-citizens 326 7.8% -40.9%
Racial breakdown
White
33.5%
Black or African American
34.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
26.7%
Other
5.4%
Value Percent
White 1,390 33.5%
Black or African American 1,428 34.4%
Two or more races 1,108 26.7%
Other 226 5.4%

Households in Laurel

A peek inside Laurel households

Laurel has 1,609 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.9% are families, while the remaining 31.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,609
13.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
500
Family households
1,109
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 500 31.1% 18.2%
Family households 1,109 68.9% 11.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Laurel

The housing landscape of Laurel

Laurel's housing consists of 1,710 units, with 56% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 18.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,710
9.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 957 56%
1 unit, attached 317 18.5%
2 units 161 9.4%
3 or 4 units 24 1.4%
5 to 9 units 22 1.3%
10 to 19 units 115 6.7%
20 to 49 units 50 2.9%
50 or more units 64 3.7%
Homes built since 2020
14
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Laurel

In Laurel, the median construction year is 1970. About 27.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 474 27.7% 1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 118 6.9% 22.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 149 8.7% 73.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 107 6.3% 52.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 164 9.6% -43.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 92 5.4% 8.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 164 9.6% 22.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 300 17.5% -6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 128 7.5% 814.3%
Built in 2020 or later 14 0.8% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Laurel occupancy rates

Out of the 1,609 occupied housing units in Laurel, 39.6% are owner-occupied, while 60.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,609
13.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
972
Owner occupied
637
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 972 60.4% 7.5%
Owner occupied 637 39.6% 24.9%
Unoccupied housing units
5.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Laurel housing costs

Housing costs in Laurel come to a median of $1,019 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,056.

Median housing costs per month
$1,019/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Laurel
$1,056/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Laurel

Laurel education at a glance

About 61.4% of the population in Laurel went to high school, while 23.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.6% earned an associate degree and 1.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 136 4.7% -52.6%
High school diploma 1,791 61.4% 15.0%
College diploma 680 23.3% 29.0%
Associate degree 193 6.6% 78.7%
Bachelor's degree 38 1.3% -66.1%
Graduate degree 79 2.7% 75.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Laurel

How much people earn in Laurel

The average annual household income in Laurel was $61,462 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +21.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,644, reflecting a +9.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Laurel
$61,462/year
21.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Laurel
$48,644/year
9.1% year-over-year change

Laurel income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $49,385 overall. Overall, 65.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $49,385 1.3%
Above poverty level
2,712
Below poverty level
1,437
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,712 65.4% 4.8%
Below poverty level 1,437 34.6% -0.1%

Average renter income in Laurel

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Laurel, their median household income was $19,673 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 64.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,673
Rent-to-income ratio
64.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Laurel

Workforce and job types in Laurel

The job market in Laurel is powered by 1,460 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 59.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.4% run their own businesses, 67.6% are employed by private companies, and 11.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,460
-3.8% year-over-year change
White collar
872
Blue collar
588
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 872 59.7% -7.1%
Blue collar 588 40.3% 1.7%
Employer type
Self employees
14.4%
Private companies
67.6%
Governmental workers
11.3%
Not for profit companies
6.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 210 14.4% 1.4%
Private companies 987 67.6% 2.9%
Governmental workers 165 11.3% 9.3%
Not for profit companies 98 6.7% -51.0%
Unemployment rate
16.0%
32.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Laurel stands at 16%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Laurel

How people get around in Laurel

Commuting methods vary: 87.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,262 87.3% 7.9%
Bus or trolleybus 63 4.4% -36.4%
Subway or elevated 27 1.9% N/A
Walk 36 2.5% 5.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Laurel by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
19956 16,327 6,332 $65,603 $78,973

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FAQs about Laurel demographics 

What is the total population of Laurel?

Laurel has a total population of 4,152 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Laurel?

The gender ratio in Laurel is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (2,030 residents)
  • 51.1% females (2,122 residents)

What is the median age in Laurel?

The median age in Laurel is 33.

What is the age distribution of the population in Laurel?

The age distribution in Laurel is as follows:
  • Under 15: 28.1% (1,166 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (451 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.4% (1,177 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17% (704 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (654 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Laurel?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Laurel is as follows:
  • White: 33.5% (1,390 residents)
  • Black or African American: 34.4% (1,428 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 26.7% (1,108 residents)
  • Other: 5.4% (226 residents)

What percentage of the population in Laurel are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.4% of the population in Laurel.

How many housing units are there in Laurel?

There are 1,710 housing units in Laurel, reflecting a +9.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Laurel and what is the average household size?

Laurel has a total of 1,609 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Laurel?

Laurel has a median household income of $48,644, representing a +9.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Laurel?

The employment rate is 84% in Laurel, with a workforce of 1,460 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 59.7% (872 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40.3% (588 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.4% (210 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.6% (987 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.3% (165 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.7% (98 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025