Laurens City, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,336
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,246/yr
-10.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,276
-0.7% year-over-year change

Laurens population

How many people live in Laurens

Laurens is home to 9,336 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of Laurens locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
9,336
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
4,445
Female
52.4%
4,891
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,445 47.6% 4.6%
Female 4,891 52.4% -3.3%
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 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.2% are children under 15, then 8.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 21.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.2%
15 to 24
8.6%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
21.3%
Over 65
25.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,791 19.2% 1.6%
15 to 24 805 8.6% -9.4%
25 to 44 2,400 25.7% 6.2%
45 to 64 1,989 21.3% -6.7%
Over 65 2,351 25.2% 3.8%
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, 93.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 54.8% of locals are Caucasian, 37.6% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 2.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.1%
Non-citizens
4.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,738 93.6% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 194 2.1% -11.0%
Non-citizens 404 4.3% 5.5%
Racial breakdown
White
54.8%
Black or African American
37.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
2.7%
Other
4.2%
Value Percent
White 5,120 54.8%
Black or African American 3,515 37.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 31 0.3%
Asian 12 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 12 0.1%
Two or more races 249 2.7%
Other 397 4.2%

Households in Laurens

A peek inside Laurens households

Laurens has 3,925 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60% are families, while the remaining 40% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,925
2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,570
Family households
2,355
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,570 40% 9.3%
Family households 2,355 60% -1.1%
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 4,276 units, with 69% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% 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 2.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,276
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,952 69%
1 unit, attached 117 2.7%
2 units 107 2.5%
3 or 4 units 433 10.1%
5 to 9 units 393 9.2%
10 to 19 units 81 1.9%
20 to 49 units 9 0.2%
50 or more units 65 1.5%
Mobile home 109 2.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 10 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
75
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Laurens

In Laurens, the median construction year is 1975. About 6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% 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 257 6% 2.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 128 3% -26.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 410 9.6% -7.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 801 18.7% 8.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,117 26.1% 9.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 659 15.4% -20.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 287 6.7% -33.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 267 6.2% 29.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 275 6.4% 22.8%
Built in 2020 or later 75 1.8% 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.

Laurens occupancy rates

Out of the 3,925 occupied housing units in Laurens, 46.4% are owner-occupied, while 53.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,925
2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,102
Owner occupied
1,823
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,102 53.6% 0.3%
Owner occupied 1,823 46.4% 5.9%
Unoccupied housing units
8.2%
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 $849 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $833.

Median housing costs per month
$849/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
$833/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 45.3% of the population in Laurens went to high school, while 21% pursued college studies. Another 12.4% earned an associate degree and 9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 547 7.7% 17.1%
High school diploma 3,229 45.3% -3.1%
College diploma 1,497 21% 1.4%
Associate degree 886 12.4% 11.9%
Bachelor's degree 639 9% 2.6%
Graduate degree 325 4.6% -18.8%
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 $64,851 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -13.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,246, reflecting a -10.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Laurens
$64,851/year
-13.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Laurens
$49,246/year
-10.8% 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 $53,284. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $49,678 overall. Overall, 74.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $53,284 -13.3%
45 - 64 $49,678 -9.9%
Over 65 $44,596 -5.8%
Above poverty level
6,666
Below poverty level
2,269
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,666 74.6% -4.3%
Below poverty level 2,269 25.4% 18.2%

Average renter income in Laurens

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Laurens, their median household income was $33,633 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,633
Rent-to-income ratio
29.7%
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 3,842 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.5% run their own businesses, 76.9% are employed by private companies, and 13.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,842
2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
2,447
Blue collar
1,395
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,447 63.7% 11.0%
Blue collar 1,395 36.3% -9.8%
Employer type
Self employees
4.5%
Private companies
76.9%
Governmental workers
13.1%
Not for profit companies
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 172 4.5% -5.5%
Private companies 2,954 76.9% 5.1%
Governmental workers 503 13.1% -9.4%
Not for profit companies 213 5.5% 4.9%
Unemployment rate
1.9%
-22.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Laurens stands at 1.9%, 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

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,478 94.2% 2.8%
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
29360 22,085 8,660 $53,941 $71,581

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FAQs about Laurens demographics 

What is the total population of Laurens?

Laurens has a total population of 9,336 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Laurens?

The gender ratio in Laurens is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (4,445 residents)
  • 52.4% females (4,891 residents)

What is the median age in Laurens?

The median age in Laurens is 42.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Laurens?

The age distribution in Laurens is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.2% (1,791 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.6% (805 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (2,400 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.3% (1,989 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.2% (2,351 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Laurens?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Laurens is as follows:
  • White: 54.8% (5,120 residents)
  • Black or African American: 37.6% (3,515 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (31 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (12 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (12 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.7% (249 residents)
  • Other: 4.2% (397 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.6% of the population in Laurens.

How many housing units are there in Laurens?

There are 4,276 housing units in Laurens, reflecting a -0.7% 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 3,925 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Laurens?

Laurens has a median household income of $49,246, representing a -10.8% 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 98.1% in Laurens, with a workforce of 3,842 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.7% (2,447 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.3% (1,395 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.5% (172 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.9% (2,954 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.1% (503 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.5% (213 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