West Laurel, Maryland Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Laurel, Maryland had a total population of 4,428, the 218th largest community in Maryland, with a median household income of $164,688, which is 59% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 2.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 59% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in Maryland.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 2.6% — among the lowest in Maryland.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Maryland (diversity index: 75/100).
West Laurel Quick Facts
How West 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 | 4,231 | 4,428 | +4.7% |
| Median household income | $160,692 | $164,688 | +2.5% |
| Median home value | $487,200 | $541,000 | +11.0% |
How West 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+)
West Laurel Rankings in Maryland
Explore Maryland Rankings
Other Cities in Prince George's County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowie | 57,926 | $141,995 | 3.8% | $459,300 |
| Clinton | 38,376 | $124,803 | 7.7% | $431,400 |
| Chillum | 34,871 | $79,864 | 12.4% | $393,600 |
| College Park | 34,540 | $69,721 | 33.2% | $437,900 |
| Laurel | 29,798 | $100,504 | 9.0% | $385,500 |
| South Laurel | 29,272 | $88,933 | 11.8% | $458,100 |
| Fort Washington | 25,134 | $143,333 | 5.3% | $480,100 |
| Greenbelt | 24,678 | $85,997 | 19.1% | $255,400 |
| Landover | 24,514 | $72,100 | 19.5% | $313,900 |
| Suitland | 23,793 | $71,585 | 13.5% | $334,800 |
Cities Similar to West Laurel
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sykesville | 4,491 | $139,556 | $453,400 | 56.7% | 3.1% |
| Woodmore | 4,613 | $184,286 | $604,600 | 59.4% | 7.3% |
| Shady Side | 4,727 | $153,661 | $503,500 | 37.4% | 3.8% |
| Leonardtown | 4,808 | $153,819 | $575,300 | 54.7% | 1.6% |
| Hillandale | 5,060 | $164,871 | $520,300 | 50.1% | 3.5% |
Population Overview
West Laurel is a small community located in Maryland, within Prince George's County. The total population is 4,428. It ranks as the 218th most populous out of 527 Census-designated places in Maryland.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Laurel is 41.2 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 39.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in West Laurel is $164,688. This is 59% higher than the state median of $103,678. It is also 104% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 2.6%. This is 73% 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 5.1%. This is 3% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $541,000. Housing costs are 29% higher than the state median of $419,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 95.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 41% higher than the state average of 67.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
West Laurel is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Black or African American residents account for 15.1%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (10.8% vs 6.5%).
Education
46.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 8% 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 94.0%. Notably, 22.6% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West 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 West Laurel, Maryland?
West Laurel, Maryland has a population of 4,428 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Laurel, MD?
The median household income in West Laurel is $164,688, which is 104% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Laurel, MD?
The poverty rate in West Laurel is 2.6%. This means approximately 113 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Laurel, Maryland?
West Laurel's population is 40.7% White, 15.1% Black, 14.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 10.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Laurel, MD?
The median home value in West Laurel is $541,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
How educated is West Laurel, Maryland?
46.8% of adults (25+) in West Laurel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 22.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.