Laurel, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
29,798
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$100,504/yr
6.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,124
4.2% year-over-year change

Laurel population

How many people live in Laurel

Laurel is home to 29,798 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.6% of Laurel locals are male, and 54.4% are female.

Total population
29,798
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.6%
13,603
Female
54.4%
16,195
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,603 45.6% 0.8%
Female 16,195 54.4% 0.6%
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 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 36% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
36%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,555 18.6% -6.0%
15 to 24 2,762 9.3% -10.6%
25 to 44 10,738 36% 10.2%
45 to 64 7,328 24.6% -3.6%
Over 65 3,415 11.5% 5.0%
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, 65.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 17.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 14.4% of locals are Caucasian, 53.8% are African American and 8.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
65.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
17.8%
Non-citizens
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,621 65.8% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,300 17.8% -1.4%
Non-citizens 4,877 16.4% 4.5%
Racial breakdown
White
14.4%
Black or African American
53.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
8.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10%
Other
12.7%
Value Percent
White 4,292 14.4%
Black or African American 16,017 53.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 280 0.9%
Asian 2,432 8.2%
Two or more races 2,985 10%
Other 3,792 12.7%

Households in Laurel

A peek inside Laurel households

Laurel has 12,476 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.2% are families, while the remaining 45.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,476
5.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,719
Family households
6,757
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,719 45.8% 12.1%
Family households 6,757 54.2% 0.2%
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 13,124 units, with 20.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 28.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
13,124
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,711 20.7%
1 unit, attached 3,792 28.9%
2 units 206 1.6%
3 or 4 units 403 3.1%
5 to 9 units 1,178 9%
10 to 19 units 1,608 12.2%
20 to 49 units 828 6.3%
50 or more units 2,398 18.3%
Homes built since 2020
232
256.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Laurel

In Laurel, the median construction year is 1985. About 6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 786 6% -15.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 290 2.2% -1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,137 8.7% 17.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 798 6.1% -5.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,933 14.7% 6.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,578 27.3% 2.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 766 5.8% 2.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,912 14.6% 8.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,692 12.9% 1.3%
Built in 2020 or later 232 1.8% 256.9%
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 12,476 occupied housing units in Laurel, 44.2% are owner-occupied, while 55.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,476
5.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,961
Owner occupied
5,515
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,961 55.8% 4.7%
Owner occupied 5,515 44.2% 6.1%
Unoccupied housing units
4.9%
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 $1,923 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,873.

Median housing costs per month
$1,923/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
$1,873/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 22.8% of the population in Laurel went to high school, while 18% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 22.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,511 6.4% 3.9%
High school diploma 5,364 22.8% -9.3%
College diploma 4,236 18% 5.8%
Associate degree 1,870 8% -0.7%
Bachelor's degree 5,286 22.5% 9.2%
Graduate degree 5,225 22.2% 11.7%
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 $117,027 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $100,504, reflecting a +6.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Laurel
$117,027/year
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Laurel
$100,504/year
6.8% year-over-year change

Laurel income by age

In Laurel, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,332. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $102,073 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $83,750, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $71,611 in earnings. Overall, 91% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $83,750 N/A
25 - 44 $107,332 15.6%
45 - 64 $102,073 -3.2%
Over 65 $71,611 4.1%
Above poverty level
26,775
Below poverty level
2,632
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 26,775 91% 1.1%
Below poverty level 2,632 9% -2.0%

Average renter income in Laurel

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Laurel, their median household income was $77,699 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$77,699
Rent-to-income ratio
28.9%
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 17,700 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.6% run their own businesses, 59.2% are employed by private companies, and 21.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
17,700
4.6% year-over-year change
White collar
14,989
Blue collar
2,711
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 14,989 84.7% 3.6%
Blue collar 2,711 15.3% 10.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.6%
Private companies
59.2%
Governmental workers
21.9%
Not for profit companies
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,340 7.6% -15.2%
Private companies 10,485 59.2% 7.5%
Governmental workers 3,883 21.9% 7.3%
Not for profit companies 1,992 11.2% 1.5%
Unemployment rate
4.7%
11.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Laurel stands at 4.7%, 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: 74.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% 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 13,184 74.8% -0.2%
Taxicab 551 3.1% 27.6%
Bus or trolleybus 67 0.4% 15.5%
Subway or elevated 140 0.8% N/A
Railroad 28 0.2% -86.1%
Bicycle 127 0.7% 135.2%
Walk 286 1.6% -3.7%
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
20723 36,866 12,497 $138,113 $176,427
20707 37,278 14,782 $107,706 $128,166
20708 27,593 10,618 $83,367 $105,318
20724 19,369 7,414 $118,115 $131,979

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Laurel demographics 

What is the total population of Laurel?

Laurel has a total population of 29,798 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Laurel?

The gender ratio in Laurel is as follows:
  • 45.6% males (13,603 residents)
  • 54.4% females (16,195 residents)

What is the median age in Laurel?

The median age in Laurel is 36.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Laurel?

The age distribution in Laurel is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (5,555 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (2,762 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 36% (10,738 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (7,328 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.5% (3,415 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Laurel?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Laurel is as follows:
  • White: 14.4% (4,292 residents)
  • Black or African American: 53.8% (16,017 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (280 residents)
  • Asian: 8.2% (2,432 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10% (2,985 residents)
  • Other: 12.7% (3,792 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 65.8% of the population in Laurel.

How many housing units are there in Laurel?

There are 13,124 housing units in Laurel, reflecting a +4.2% 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 12,476 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Laurel?

Laurel has a median household income of $100,504, representing a +6.8% 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 95.3% in Laurel, with a workforce of 17,700 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.7% (14,989 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.3% (2,711 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.6% (1,340 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.2% (10,485 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.9% (3,883 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.2% (1,992 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