Laurel 70 Good
Laurel Livability #68 ranked city in Montana#7,381 ranked city in the USARanks better than 74% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Laurel

PROS
  • 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.

  • Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • 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

    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
  • Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

  • 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.

  • Ratings

    Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.

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What's it like Living in Laurel?

Laurel is a small city located in the state of Montana. The city has a population of 6,797 people. With a population density of 3,126 people per square mile, Laurel is well above the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (94% White). Given that fact, Laurel could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Laurel is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Laurel can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Montana, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Laurel and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Montana and national averages.

With a livability score of 68/100, Laurel is ranked #8,263 in the United States and #76 in Montana. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Laurel has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (B+). There are some categories that Laurel does not rank well for, including: crime (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Laurel, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Laurel undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Laurel, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.73% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Laurel market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

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 $174,100, which is 12.8% lower than the Montana 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 3.1, which is 24.4% lower than the Montana average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Laurel

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Compare Laurel, MT Livability

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      Laurel transportation information

      Statistic Laurel Montana National
      Average one way commute17min18min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.7%75.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.9%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.9%0.8%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%1.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.5%5.1%2.8%
      Working from home5.0%6.3%4.6%
      Source: The Laurel, MT data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).