Cost of Living in Laurel, MS
Population 17,129 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Laurel's median household income of $37,781 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (32% here).
Laurel lies roughly 75 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Jackson — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Jackson's $108,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Laurel
The median home value in Laurel is $110,200 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $839/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,781/year is 49% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Mississippi's top state income tax rate is 4.7% and the combined sales tax is 7.1%. The climate averages highs of 77.6°F and lows of 55.3°F. Overall, Laurel has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 60 | 65 | 72 | 78 | 85 | 90 | 92 | 92 | 88 | 80 | 69 | 62 |
| Low °F | 38 | 42 | 48 | 54 | 62 | 70 | 72 | 72 | 67 | 55 | 44 | 41 |
| Precip" | 5.82 | 4.88 | 5.57 | 5.37 | 4.44 | 5.85 | 5.70 | 4.75 | 4.15 | 3.70 | 3.70 | 4.98 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Laurel, MS?
Laurel has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in Laurel, MS?
The median gross rent in Laurel is $839 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel is $110,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Laurel?
The median household income in Laurel is $37,781 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Laurel, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Laurel is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Laurel, MS affordable?
Yes, Laurel is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Laurel?
Laurel has average high temperatures of 77.6°F and average lows of 55.3°F. Annual precipitation is 58.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Laurel at a Glance
- Population
- 17,129
- Median Income
- $37,781
- Home Value
- $110,200
- Median Rent
- $839/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
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