North Laurel, Maryland Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, North Laurel, Maryland had a total population of 25,563, the 55th largest community in Maryland, with a median household income of $122,949, which is 19% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.7% — among the lowest in Maryland.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Maryland (diversity index: 76/100).
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%.
North Laurel Quick Facts
How North 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 | 25,201 | 25,563 | +1.4% |
| Median household income | $119,533 | $122,949 | +2.9% |
| Median home value | $442,800 | $450,100 | +1.6% |
How North 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
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 68 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
North Laurel Rankings in Maryland
Explore Maryland Rankings
Other Cities in Howard County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 104,338 | $131,490 | 7.5% | $497,400 |
| Ellicott City | 75,257 | $156,964 | 3.8% | $661,700 |
| Ilchester | 28,364 | $152,103 | 5.1% | $532,400 |
| Elkridge | 26,283 | $139,913 | 7.6% | $454,200 |
| Scaggsville | 10,564 | $207,220 | 2.9% | $668,500 |
| Savage | 8,239 | $116,895 | 5.5% | $424,300 |
| Fulton | 5,677 | $222,039 | 0.7% | $913,100 |
| Highland | 972 | $250,000+ | 3.4% | $914,000 |
| Lisbon | 126 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to North Laurel
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballenger Creek | 26,390 | $108,944 | $387,300 | 46.4% | 10.3% |
| Elkridge | 26,283 | $139,913 | $454,200 | 59.0% | 7.6% |
| Fort Washington | 25,134 | $143,333 | $480,100 | 43.0% | 5.3% |
| Arnold | 24,303 | $141,639 | $564,200 | 58.0% | 3.1% |
| Fairland | 26,231 | $98,800 | $477,300 | 46.4% | 10.4% |
Population Overview
North Laurel is a mid-sized community located in Maryland, within Howard County. The total population is 25,563. It ranks as the 55th most populous out of 527 Census-designated places in Maryland.
Age Demographics
The median age in North Laurel is 35.5 years. This is 10% lower than the state median of 39.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in North Laurel is $122,949. This is 19% higher than the state median of $103,678. It is also 52% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.7%. This is 50% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.4%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 2.2%. This is 56% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $450,100. Housing costs are 7% higher than the state median of $419,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 62.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 8% lower than the state average of 67.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
North Laurel is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 27.1%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (17.0% vs 6.5%).
Education
53.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 23% higher than the state rate of 43.5%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.6%. Notably, 24.1% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for North Laurel, Maryland 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 Maryland state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 527 Census-designated places in Maryland. 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 North Laurel, Maryland?
North Laurel, Maryland has a population of 25,563 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in North Laurel, MD?
The median household income in North Laurel is $122,949, which is 52% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in North Laurel, MD?
The poverty rate in North Laurel is 4.7%. This means approximately 1,204 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of North Laurel, Maryland?
North Laurel's population is 27.1% White, 33.3% Black, 17.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 17.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in North Laurel, MD?
The median home value in North Laurel is $450,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
How educated is North Laurel, Maryland?
53.5% of adults (25+) in North Laurel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 24.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.