COLD

Cost of Living in West Laurel, MD

Population 4,231 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

160
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives West Laurel a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $487,000.

Geographically, West Laurel sits roughly 6 miles south of Columbia. Housing prices track closely with Columbia's $480,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 160

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in West Laurel

The median home value in West Laurel is $487,200 — 60% above the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $160,692/year is 115% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Maryland's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, West Laurel has a cost of living index of 160 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% more expensive.

📍

West Laurel has limited residential data

Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:

Scaggsville, MD
Median home: $629,800
Rent: $3,205/mo
Income: $183,125
Laurel, MD
Median home: $367,300
Rent: $1,878/mo
Income: $94,063
Burtonsville, MD
Median home: $481,800
Rent: $2,222/mo
Income: $130,000
North Laurel, MD
Median home: $442,800
Rent: $1,913/mo
Income: $119,533
Fairland, MD
Median home: $440,800
Rent: $1,851/mo
Income: $87,924

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$487,200
60% above avg
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,407
1 BR
$1,604
2 BR
$1,898
3 BR
$2,407
4 BR
$2,822
Owner-occupied 96.9%
Renter-occupied 3.1%

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
40.5 min
50% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.3%
Carpooled
7.2%
Public transit
4.0%
Bicycle
0.6%
Work from home
12.7%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$160,692
115% above avg
Per Capita Income
$59,453
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
28% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
Labor Force Participation
74.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 25.9%
Graduate degree 21.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.5
Male median age 41.4
Female median age 42.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
69.3%
Good air days/yr
192
Max AQI recorded
138
PM2.5 days
226
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in West Laurel, MD?

West Laurel has a cost index of 160 (100 = national average). It is 60% above the national average.

What is the average home price in West Laurel?

The median home value in West Laurel is $487,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in West Laurel?

The median household income in West Laurel is $160,692 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West Laurel, MD?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Laurel is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is West Laurel, MD affordable?

West Laurel is above average in cost of living, with an index of 160 — about 60% higher than the national average.

West Laurel at a Glance

Population
4,231
Median Income
$160,692
Home Value
$487,200
Unemployment
3.5%
Sales Tax
6.0%
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