Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Laurel, MT
Thinking of moving to Laurel, MT? With a friendly community of about 7,100, Laurel offers affordable living—median home prices hover around $265,000 and rents average $1,150. Residents enjoy low commute times (about 18 minutes), access to quality schools, and proximity to Billings’ major hospitals. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and the area boasts 62% sunny days each year, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore more about Laurel’s cost of living, local schools, and lifestyle below to help plan your move.
Demographics - Laurel, MT
Demographics - Laurel, MT
Laurel, Montana is home to around 7,100 residents, with a population density of 1,900 people per square mile and a median age of 38.6. The city is predominantly White (94.8%), and the population has a nearly balanced gender ratio. A small percentage, about 3.2%, speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the area's friendly, close-knit community feel.
Population:
7,100
Density:
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.8%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Laurel, MT?
Laurel offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $265,000 and average rent at $1,150 per month. Basic expenses like utilities and groceries are below national averages, reflected in a cost of living index of 92.3. State income tax rates range from 1.0% to 6.9%, helping residents manage their budgets comfortably.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,380
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.3
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
82.8
Utilities:
90.4
Transportation:
88.6
Health Care:
94.7
Miscellaneous:
89.3
Crime
Is Laurel, MT a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Laurel are moderate, with a violent crime rate of 292 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,677 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 342 chance of being a victim of violent crime, which is typical for similar-sized towns in Montana. Overall, the city maintains a sense of safety while offering the amenities of a small community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
292
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,677
Crime Index:
1,969
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 342
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Laurel, MT year-round?
Laurel experiences a true four-season climate, featuring cold winters with lows around 13°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The area receives about 14.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 62% sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate outdoor activities and changing seasons.
Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Laurel’s community is shaped by a median household income of $60,800, with an average commute of under 18 minutes. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and only 3.5% are unemployed. The area has a modest poverty rate of 10.5%, and public transportation use is minimal, reflecting the city’s suburban character.
Median Income:
$33,600
Household Income:
$60,800
Family Income:
$72,400
Per Capita Income:
$30,200
Income Male:
$40,200
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
10.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
17.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Laurel, MT?
Laurel provides quality education through its public schools, including Laurel High School and Laurel Middle School, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios around 15:1. Private schooling options, like St. Anthony Catholic School, are also available, and higher education is easily accessible with Montana State University Billings and Rocky Mountain College just 12 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Laurel High School
Street:
203 E 8th St
Phone:
406-628-3360
Students:
690
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Laurel Middle School
Street:
725 Washington Ave
Phone:
406-628-3900
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Anthony Catholic School
Street:
310 W 7th St
Phone:
406-628-5146
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Montana State University Billings
City:
Billings
State:
MT
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
4,100
Name:
Rocky Mountain College
City:
Billings
State:
MT
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Residents of Laurel benefit from proximity to major hospitals in nearby Billings, such as Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare, both offering comprehensive emergency services. The community has 2 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 91% of residents have health insurance coverage, ensuring accessible healthcare options for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Billings Clinic
Address:
2800 10th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
Phone:
(406) 238-2500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Vincent Healthcare
Address:
1233 N 30th St, Billings, MT 59101
Phone:
(406) 657-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Laurel, MT?
The Laurel housing market is attractive for buyers, with a median home price of $265,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 72.4%. Home values have appreciated by 4.6% in the past year, and rental options remain accessible, with a 5.7% vacancy rate. New construction is steady, providing opportunities for both renters and homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Laurel residents are served by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, with the main office located in Helena. The DMV offers essential services such as licensing, registration, and driver resources, with information readily accessible on their official website. Efficient operations make vehicle management convenient for locals.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
302 N Roberts, Helena, MT 59620
Phone:
1-406-444-3933
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.