What to know when moving to Laurel, MD
Laurel at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 45% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and renters make up 45% of the population.
- The Major Draw:
- A median household income of $104,093, providing a solid economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $1,880, which could be a stretch for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 2.5% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,880 when considering housing options.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Laurel is characterized by a well-educated population, with 45.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The community has a balanced mix of renters and homeowners, with 45% of the population renting. The median household income of $104,093 reflects a solid economic standing. However, with only 2.5% of residents using public transit, it is advisable to plan on using a car for most commutes.
Probably not your spot if: high rent at a median of $1,880 is outside your budget.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,880; median home value is $411,200, indicating a competitive housing market.
- The education level in the community is high, with 45.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, and the poverty rate stands at 7.5%.
- Only 2.5% of the population commutes via public transit, suggesting a reliance on cars.
- Renter percentage is at 45%, showing a nearly even split between renters and homeowners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Maryland shows a mixed picture, with property crime rates higher than the national average but a significant decline in violent crime.
- Violent crime: Maryland's annual rate is 351.9 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 325.3, indicating an 8.2% increase.
- Property crime: The state rate is 1,817.5 per 100,000, which is 17.5% higher than the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 47.8% since 2022, now at 5.2 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Maryland).
Schools & Higher Ed
Laurel provides access to a variety of nearby educational institutions, with 15 postsecondary schools available in the region.
- Notable institutions include Bowie State University and the University of Maryland-College Park.
- Prince George's County has 5 schools listed, while surrounding counties also offer additional options.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate details are unavailable, Laurel is home to several parks and outdoor attractions that can be enjoyed year-round.
- Centennial Park: 4.7 stars from 4,666 reviews.
- Greenbelt Park: 4.4 stars from 1,679 reviews.
- Patuxent Research Refuge: 4.6 stars from 1,561 reviews.
- Laurel Park: 4.5 stars from 1,388 reviews.
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Prince George's County, the job market shows signs of stability with a solid employment base.
- Unemployment rate is 4.3% as of December 2025.
- Approximately 477,940 people are employed in the county.
- The labor force totals around 499,442 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.