Laurel, Florida Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Laurel, Florida had a total population of 11,741, the 316th largest community in Florida, with a median household income of $92,340, which is 24% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%.
Laurel Quick Facts
How Laurel Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,868 | 11,741 | -1.1% |
| Median household income | $89,282 | $92,340 | +3.4% |
| Median home value | $450,200 | $478,900 | +6.4% |
How Laurel Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Laurel Rankings in Florida
Explore Florida Rankings
Other Cities in Sarasota County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Port | 84,605 | $84,049 | 6.7% | $362,500 |
| Sarasota | 56,970 | $72,105 | 15.0% | $463,000 |
| Lakewood Ranch | 43,945 | $122,925 | 7.4% | $678,200 |
| Venice | 27,479 | $76,755 | 9.2% | $434,700 |
| Englewood | 20,091 | $69,222 | 8.5% | $339,900 |
| South Venice | 17,484 | $77,097 | 12.5% | $337,300 |
| Palmer Ranch | 16,867 | $102,838 | 6.9% | $592,900 |
| Fruitville | 15,172 | $82,246 | 8.6% | $412,500 |
| Sarasota Springs | 12,611 | $95,688 | 12.7% | $349,100 |
| Bee Ridge | 10,334 | $75,906 | 7.2% | $412,400 |
Cities Similar to Laurel
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoa Beach | 11,377 | $87,990 | $503,200 | 49.7% | 9.6% |
| South Miami | 12,277 | $94,507 | $829,400 | 56.3% | 10.0% |
| Wilton Manors | 11,511 | $85,392 | $589,200 | 45.2% | 11.4% |
| Viera East | 12,570 | $92,467 | $396,700 | 51.5% | 3.5% |
| Sarasota Springs | 12,611 | $95,688 | $349,100 | 29.4% | 12.7% |
Population Overview
Laurel is a small city located in Florida, within Sarasota County. The total population is 11,741. It ranks as the 316th most populous out of 955 Census-designated places in Florida.
Age Demographics
The median age in Laurel is 63.7 years. This is 50% higher than the state median of 42.6 years. Only 10.2% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 22.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Laurel is $92,340. This is 24% higher than the state median of $74,568. It is also 14% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 5.6%. This is 56% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 1.6%. This is 67% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $478,900. Housing costs are 33% higher than the state median of $359,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x. 91.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 35% higher than the state average of 67.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Laurel has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (87.8% vs 50.4%). The Black or African American population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 14.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.5%) is well below the state average of 27.4%.
Education
42.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 24% higher than the state rate of 34.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 97.7%. Notably, 17.0% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Laurel, Florida is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Florida state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 955 Census-designated places in Florida. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Laurel, Florida?
Laurel, Florida has a population of 11,741 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Laurel, FL?
The median household income in Laurel is $92,340, which is 14% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Laurel, FL?
The poverty rate in Laurel is 5.6%. This means approximately 646 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Laurel, Florida?
Laurel's population is 87.8% White, 1.0% Black, 2.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Laurel, FL?
The median home value in Laurel is $478,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x.
How educated is Laurel, Florida?
42.2% of adults (25+) in Laurel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.