Laurel, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,679
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,661/yr
26.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,805
1.5% year-over-year change

Laurel population

How many people live in Laurel

Laurel is home to 17,679 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.3% of Laurel locals are male, and 53.7% are female.

Total population
17,679
3.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.3%
8,179
Female
53.7%
9,500
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,179 46.3% -1.3%
Female 9,500 53.7% 7.5%
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 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.1% are children under 15, then 14.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.9% of the population, while another 22% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.1%
15 to 24
14.9%
25 to 44
26.9%
45 to 64
22%
Over 65
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,903 22.1% 7.1%
15 to 24 2,632 14.9% 3.0%
25 to 44 4,756 26.9% 9.4%
45 to 64 3,884 22% -1.9%
Over 65 2,504 14.2% -4.4%
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, 95.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 29.1% of locals are Caucasian, 61.4% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
3.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,818 95.1% 2.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 211 1.2% 2.4%
Non-citizens 650 3.7% 15.9%
Racial breakdown
White
29.1%
Black or African American
61.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.7%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.3%
Other
5.4%
Value Percent
White 5,139 29.1%
Black or African American 10,846 61.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 301 1.7%
Asian 41 0.2%
Two or more races 402 2.3%
Other 950 5.4%

Households in Laurel

A peek inside Laurel households

Laurel has 6,675 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 61.4% are families, while the remaining 38.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,675
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,579
Family households
4,096
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,579 38.6% 1.6%
Family households 4,096 61.4% 0.9%
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 7,805 units, with 75.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.1% 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 5.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,805
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,911 75.7%
1 unit, attached 162 2.1%
2 units 134 1.7%
3 or 4 units 382 4.9%
5 to 9 units 429 5.5%
10 to 19 units 94 1.2%
20 to 49 units 60 0.8%
50 or more units 196 2.5%
Mobile home 437 5.6%
Homes built since 2020
104
76.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Laurel

In Laurel, the median construction year is 1969. About 10.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 824 10.6% -15.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 554 7.1% 7.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,163 14.9% 5.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,503 19.3% 12.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,280 16.4% -0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 687 8.8% 0.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 454 5.8% 12.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 568 7.3% -22.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 668 8.6% 10.1%
Built in 2020 or later 104 1.3% 76.3%
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 6,675 occupied housing units in Laurel, 63.2% are owner-occupied, while 36.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,675
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,454
Owner occupied
4,221
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,454 36.8% -4.3%
Owner occupied 4,221 63.2% 4.7%
Unoccupied housing units
14.5%
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 $875 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $909.

Median housing costs per month
$875/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
$909/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 42.4% of the population in Laurel went to high school, while 23.3% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 11.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 721 5.5% -1.9%
High school diploma 5,536 42.4% -3.5%
College diploma 3,049 23.3% 6.5%
Associate degree 1,249 9.6% 22.0%
Bachelor's degree 1,503 11.5% 0.9%
Graduate degree 1,007 7.7% 15.2%
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 $80,196 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +15% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,661, reflecting a +26.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Laurel
$80,196/year
14.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Laurel
$47,661/year
26.1% 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 $48,796. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $46,196 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,045, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,036 in earnings. Overall, 77.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,045 1.0%
25 - 44 $48,796 26.5%
45 - 64 $46,196 23.9%
Over 65 $48,036 67.1%
Above poverty level
13,289
Below poverty level
3,925
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,289 77.2% 16.1%
Below poverty level 3,925 22.8% -21.7%

Average renter income in Laurel

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Laurel, their median household income was $17,517 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 62.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$17,517
Rent-to-income ratio
62.3%
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 7,587 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 69.9% are employed by private companies, and 14.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,587
8.1% year-over-year change
White collar
4,457
Blue collar
3,130
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,457 58.8% 0.9%
Blue collar 3,130 41.2% 20.1%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
69.9%
Governmental workers
14.2%
Not for profit companies
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 588 7.8% -25.2%
Private companies 5,303 69.9% 3.5%
Governmental workers 1,076 14.2% 66.0%
Not for profit companies 620 8.2% 34.2%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
9.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Laurel stands at 5.6%, 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: 92.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% 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 6,970 92.5% 5.9%
Walk 77 1% -31.2%
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
39440 19,385 7,475 $46,947 $76,353
39443 22,767 8,564 $59,388 $78,225

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FAQs about Laurel demographics 

What is the total population of Laurel?

Laurel has a total population of 17,679 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 +3.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Laurel?

The gender ratio in Laurel is as follows:
  • 46.3% males (8,179 residents)
  • 53.7% females (9,500 residents)

What is the median age in Laurel?

The median age in Laurel is 35.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Laurel?

The age distribution in Laurel is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.1% (3,903 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.9% (2,632 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.9% (4,756 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22% (3,884 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.2% (2,504 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Laurel?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Laurel is as follows:
  • White: 29.1% (5,139 residents)
  • Black or African American: 61.4% (10,846 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.7% (301 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (41 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.3% (402 residents)
  • Other: 5.4% (950 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.1% of the population in Laurel.

How many housing units are there in Laurel?

There are 7,805 housing units in Laurel, reflecting a +1.5% 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 6,675 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Laurel?

Laurel has a median household income of $47,661, representing a +26.1% 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 94.4% in Laurel, with a workforce of 7,587 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.8% (4,457 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.2% (3,130 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (588 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.9% (5,303 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.2% (1,076 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.2% (620 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