The population of Laurel, MS was estimated to be 17,000 in 2022. The median age of the Laurel population is 38.3.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Laurel, MS is about 21% lower than the national average. The median household income in Laurel is $34,114.
Laurel, MS Education
High School Graduate: 38%
Some College: 24%
Associates Degree: 10%
Bachelor's or Higher Degree: 28%
Workforce Participation Rates by Education
Less than High School: 63%
High School Graduate: 65%
Some College: 71%
Bachelor's Degree or Greater: 75%
Unemployment Rate by Education
Less than High School: 17%
High School Graduate: 5%
Some College: 3%
Bachelor's Degree or Greater: 3%
Estimated education data based on residents over 25 years old in Laurel, MS. Employment data based on residents age 25-64.
Laurel Job Market
Laurel is a small city in southern Mississippi with a population of 18,000. It is known for being the home of Mississippi's oldest art museum, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Top industries in Laurel include Manufacturing, Government, Health Services, Education, and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities. The job market in Laurel is growing slowly, and its biggest employers include Sanderson Farms (a poultry producer), Masonite International, and Family Health Center. People like working in Laurel because of its small town feel and proximity to the ocean. Overall, average weekly wages for most occupations and cost of living are significantly lower in Laurel than in the rest of the US.