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.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
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.
Laurel, Virginia is a moderately-sized city with a population of 17,678 people. With a population density of 3,281 people per square mile, Laurel is well above the nation's average density level. Individuals of White (53%) and Black or African American (31%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. Laurel is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 42%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Laurel. With an average one way commute time of only 21 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Laurel, Virginia could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Laurel, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, health & safety, education, housing and more.
Laurel, VA receives 72/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #180 in Virginia and #5,074 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Laurel has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (B), crime (B-), cost of living (A-) and housing (A).
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.
The unemployment rate in Laurel has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.43%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
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.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Laurel is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Laurel come in at $209,700, which is 15.6% lower than the Virginia 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 3.7, which is 2.6% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Laurel | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.4% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.9% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.4% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.8% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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