Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Laurel, MD
Thinking of moving to Laurel, MD? With a population of around 30,000, Laurel offers an affordable cost of living, a median home price near $389,000, and average rent for a 2-bedroom at $1,750. The city enjoys a moderate commute time of 34 minutes, diverse schools, and convenient access to major hospitals and higher education. Although crime rates are slightly above national averages, Laurel’s strong job market, mild climate, and access to both Baltimore and D.C. make it a practical and welcoming place to relocate.
Demographics - Laurel, MD
Demographics - Laurel, MD
Laurel, Maryland is home to about 30,000 residents, with a median age of 35.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The city boasts a diverse population, with nearly half identifying as Black and over 21% speaking a language other than English at home. Its urban density and multicultural makeup offer a vibrant community atmosphere.
Population:
30,000
Density:
5,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
21.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
25.8%
Black:
48.1%
Asian:
10.4%
Others:
15.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Laurel, MD?
Laurel's cost of living index is 15% higher than the national average, primarily due to housing, with median home values at $389,000 and average rents around $1,750. Utilities and healthcare also run slightly above national norms, while state income tax rates range from 2.0% to 5.75%. This makes Laurel moderately expensive, but still more affordable than nearby major cities.
Median House Value:
$389,000
Gross Rent:
$1,750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$710
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
115.5
Grocery:
113.0
Housing:
120.2
Utilities:
106.7
Transportation:
117.8
Health Care:
109.2
Miscellaneous:
104.5
Crime
Is Laurel, MD a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Laurel are above the national average, with a violent crime rate of 320 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 2,400 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 312 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 42 chance for property crime. While caution is advised, many neighborhoods remain safe and community-focused.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,400
Crime Index:
2,720
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Laurel, MD year-round?
Laurel experiences four distinct seasons, with winter lows averaging 27°F and summer highs reaching 88°F. The city enjoys about 44 inches of annual rainfall and 58% sunny days, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities most of the year. Spring and fall are particularly mild and comfortable.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Households in Laurel have a median income of $87,000, with a family income topping $100,000 and a poverty rate of just over 8%. A high percentage of residents—over 90%—hold at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are around 34 minutes. The area is diverse and educated, with a strong sense of community and access to public transportation.
Median Income:
$51,200
Household Income:
$87,000
Family Income:
$101,000
Per Capita Income:
$38,900
Income Male:
$54,000
Income Female:
$48,000
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
21.5%
Rent:
$1,750
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
10.2%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
39.5%
Education
How are the schools in Laurel, MD?
Laurel is served by several public and private schools, including Laurel High School and St. Mary of the Mills School, and is close to higher education institutions like Capitol Technology University and the University of Maryland. Student-teacher ratios are typical for the region, and nearly 40% of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Families benefit from diverse educational opportunities at all levels.
Public Schools
Name:
Laurel High School
Street:
8000 Cherry Ln
Phone:
301-497-2050
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Name:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School
Street:
13725 Briarwood Dr
Phone:
301-497-3620
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary of the Mills School
Street:
106 Saint Marys Pl
Phone:
301-498-1433
Students:
400
Colleges
Name:
Capitol Technology University
City:
Laurel
State:
MD
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
800
Name:
University of Maryland – College Park
City:
College Park
State:
MD
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
41,000
Healthcare
Laurel offers convenient access to major hospitals like UM Laurel Medical Center and Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center, both providing emergency services. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and health insurance coverage at 92.6%, healthcare is easily accessible. The city’s healthcare index indicates generally favorable conditions for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UM Laurel Medical Center
Address:
7300 Van Dusen Rd, Laurel, MD 20707
Phone:
(240) 677-2000
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center
Address:
11890 Healing Way, Silver Spring, MD 20904
Phone:
(240) 637-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.6%
Health Care Index:
75.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Laurel, MD?
The median home price in Laurel stands at $389,000, reflecting steady growth with a 4.3% appreciation rate over the past year. Nearly half of the housing is owner-occupied, while rental options remain plentiful with average two-bedroom rents at $1,750 and a vacancy rate of 6.1%. The market offers choices for both buyers and renters in a stable environment.
Median Home Price:
$389,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,750
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle services through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration located in Glen Burnie. The DMV provides a full range of licensing, registration, and titling services, with more information available on their official website. Access is straightforward for Laurel residents, ensuring convenient vehicle management.
State:
Maryland
Department:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Address:
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone:
1-410-768-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.