Laurel 83 Exceptional
Laurel Livability #26 ranked city in Maryland#945 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Laurel

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.

What's it like Living in Laurel?

Located in the state of Maryland, Laurel is a mid-sized city with a population of 26,740 people. In Laurel, there are 5,625 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Laurel is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 45%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Laurel entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 36 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Laurel is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Maryland, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Laurel, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, cost of living and more.

Using data and statistics Laurel has received a livability score of 84/100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a great score, as Laurel ranks well in multiple categories! Laurel also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we know that Laurel ranks very well for amenities (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Laurel does not have favorable grades for the following: crime (D) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're living in Laurel, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Laurel an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Laurel excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Laurel real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Laurel. Median real estate prices in Laurel come in at $514,144, which is 0.7% lower than the Maryland average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Laurel, the home price to income ratio is 4.4, which is 4.3% lower than the Maryland average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Laurel

See all the best places to live around Laurel

How Do You Rate The Livability In Laurel?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Laurel, MD Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Laurel transportation information

      Statistic Laurel Maryland National
      Average one way commute36min32min26min
      Workers who drive to work70.3%73.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.6%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit7.9%8.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.2%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home6.1%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Laurel, MD data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.