Laurens, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,206
-2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,988/yr
-13.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
657
3.6% year-over-year change

Laurens population

How many people live in Laurens

Laurens is home to 1,206 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.9% of Laurens locals are male, and 52.1% are female.

Total population
1,206
-2.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
578
Female
52.1%
628
Value Percent YoY change
Male 578 47.9% -3.8%
Female 628 52.1% -0.8%
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 Laurens is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.2% are children under 15, then 9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.2% of the population, while another 27.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.2%
15 to 24
9%
25 to 44
24.2%
45 to 64
27.5%
Over 65
24%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 183 15.2% 18.1%
15 to 24 109 9% -30.1%
25 to 44 292 24.2% 10.2%
45 to 64 332 27.5% -3.2%
Over 65 290 24% -7.9%
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 Laurens, 94.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.8% of locals are Caucasian, 1.7% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.9%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,145 94.9% -2.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 35 2.9% 2.9%
Non-citizens 26 2.2% 18.2%
Racial breakdown
White
87.8%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7%
Other
2.7%
Value Percent
White 1,059 87.8%
Black or African American 21 1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0.2%
Asian 7 0.6%
Two or more races 84 7%
Other 33 2.7%

Households in Laurens

A peek inside Laurens households

Laurens has 530 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.6% are families, while the remaining 36.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
530
-1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
193
Family households
337
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 193 36.4% 7.8%
Family households 337 63.6% -5.9%
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 Laurens

The housing landscape of Laurens

Laurens's housing consists of 657 units, with 88.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
657
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 584 88.9%
1 unit, attached 9 1.4%
2 units 3 0.5%
3 or 4 units 28 4.3%
5 to 9 units 19 2.9%
10 to 19 units 7 1.1%
Mobile home 7 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Laurens

In Laurens, the median construction year is 1952. About 35.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 233 35.5% 5.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 80 12.2% 9.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 94 14.3% -20.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 104 15.8% 76.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 71 10.8% -31.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 38 5.8% 22.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 23 3.5% 15.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 14 2.1% 55.6%
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.

Laurens occupancy rates

Out of the 530 occupied housing units in Laurens, 76.8% are owner-occupied, while 23.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
530
-1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
123
Owner occupied
407
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 123 23.2% 14.9%
Owner occupied 407 76.8% -5.3%
Unoccupied housing units
19.3%
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.

Laurens housing costs

Housing costs in Laurens come to a median of $705 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $805.

Median housing costs per month
$705/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 Laurens
$805/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 Laurens

Laurens education at a glance

About 42.3% of the population in Laurens went to high school, while 28.7% pursued college studies. Another 13.9% earned an associate degree and 9.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 21 2.1% -22.2%
High school diploma 416 42.3% 6.9%
College diploma 282 28.7% -3.1%
Associate degree 137 13.9% -23.0%
Bachelor's degree 93 9.5% -10.6%
Graduate degree 34 3.5% 21.4%
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 Laurens

How much people earn in Laurens

The average annual household income in Laurens was $70,686 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,988, reflecting a -13.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Laurens
$70,686/year
-1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Laurens
$48,988/year
-13.1% year-over-year change

Laurens income by age

In Laurens, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,278. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $49,653 overall. Overall, 84.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $60,278 14.4%
45 - 64 $49,653 -28.1%
Over 65 $45,208 0.1%
Above poverty level
968
Below poverty level
176
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 968 84.6% -6.0%
Below poverty level 176 15.4% 15.0%

Average renter income in Laurens

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Laurens, their median household income was $45,833 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,833
Rent-to-income ratio
21.1%
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 Laurens

Workforce and job types in Laurens

The job market in Laurens is powered by 605 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 80.7% are employed by private companies, and 6.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
605
-2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
369
Blue collar
236
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 369 61% -0.3%
Blue collar 236 39% -6.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
80.7%
Governmental workers
6.4%
Not for profit companies
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 45 7.4% 28.6%
Private companies 488 80.7% -6.5%
Governmental workers 39 6.4% 8.3%
Not for profit companies 33 5.4% 17.9%
Unemployment rate
6.4%
-21.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Laurens stands at 6.4%, 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 Laurens

How people get around in Laurens

In Laurens, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
10.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 549 90.9% -4.0%
Bicycle 13 2.2% 30.0%
Walk 17 2.8% -10.5%
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 Laurens by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50554 1,653 715 $63,802 $78,574

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FAQs about Laurens demographics 

What is the total population of Laurens?

Laurens has a total population of 1,206 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 -2.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Laurens?

The gender ratio in Laurens is as follows:
  • 47.9% males (578 residents)
  • 52.1% females (628 residents)

What is the median age in Laurens?

The median age in Laurens is 47.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Laurens?

The age distribution in Laurens is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.2% (183 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9% (109 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.2% (292 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.5% (332 residents)
  • Over 65: 24% (290 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Laurens?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Laurens is as follows:
  • White: 87.8% (1,059 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (21 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (7 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (84 residents)
  • Other: 2.7% (33 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.9% of the population in Laurens.

How many housing units are there in Laurens?

There are 657 housing units in Laurens, reflecting a +3.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Laurens has a total of 530 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Laurens?

Laurens has a median household income of $48,988, representing a -13.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.6% in Laurens, with a workforce of 605 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61% (369 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39% (236 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (45 residents)
  • Private companies: 80.7% (488 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.4% (39 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.4% (33 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