Mississippi / Jones County

Moving to Laurel, MS

Thinking of making a move to Laurel, MS? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Laurel, MS

Considering a move to Laurel, MS? This welcoming community of 17,700 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $128,000 and average rents near $840. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (59% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Laurel's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Laurel, MS

Laurel has a population of 17,700 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 32% White, 63% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 6% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
17,700
Density
1,950 per sq mi
Median Age
35.8
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
5.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
32.0%
Black
62.5%
Asian
0.8%
Others
4.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Laurel, MS?

The cost of living in Laurel is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 79.4. Median home values are around $128,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $840. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$128,000
Gross Rent
$840
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 5.0%
Cost Of Living Index
79.4
Grocery
94.1
Housing
62.3
Utilities
99.2
Transportation
92.8
Health Care
90.5
Miscellaneous
88.7

Crime

Is Laurel, MS a safe place to live?

Laurel is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 720 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Mississippi.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
720
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,950
Crime Index
3,670
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 139
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

Weather

What is the weather like in Laurel, MS year-round?

Laurel experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 38°F. The area receives about 61 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 59% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
38°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
72°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
55°F
Max
77°F

Fall

Min
56°F
Max
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches
60.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
59%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $40,500 and a low poverty rate of 24.8%. Over 81% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$26,500
Household Income
$40,500
Family Income
$52,000
Per Capita Income
$22,800
Income Male
$33,500
Income Female
$27,800
Poverty Rate
24.8%
Non English Speakers
7.1%
Rent
$840
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
Public Transport Usage
1.8%
Commute Time
23.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
80.8%
Bachelors or More
15.4%

Education

How are the schools in Laurel, MS?

Laurel offers quality education options, with public schools like Laurel High School and Laurel Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Jones College and University of Southern Mississippi. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Laurel High School
Street
600 South 5th Ave
Phone
601-649-3711
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
15.6
Name
Laurel Middle School
Street
1120 W 10th St
Phone
601-649-3715
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9

Private Schools

Name
Immaculate Conception School
Street
201 Beech St
Phone
601-428-2424
Students
240

Colleges

Name
Jones College
City
Ellisville
State
MS
Distance
17 miles
Students
4,500
Name
University of Southern Mississippi
City
Hattiesburg
State
MS
Distance
31 miles
Students
14,000

Healthcare

Laurel residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like South Central Regional Medical Center and Forrest General Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 86.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
South Central Regional Medical Center
Address
1220 Jefferson St, Laurel, MS 39440
Phone
(601) 426-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Forrest General Hospital
Address
6051 U.S. Hwy 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone
(601) 288-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage
86.8%
Health Care Index
63.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Laurel, MS?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $128,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 56%. The market has seen a 3.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 9.1%. Laurel offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$128,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$840
Owner Occupied Rate
55.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
1.0%

DMV Information

Residents of Laurel handle vehicle services through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, conveniently located in Jackson. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Mississippi
Department
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address
1900 E Woodrow Wilson Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
Phone
1-601-987-1212

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.

FAQs About Moving to Laurel, MS

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Laurel, review the core fields on this page: population 17,700, median home value $128,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $840, commute time 23.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 59%.

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