Laurel, Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Laurel, Virginia had a total population of 18,721, the 70th largest community in Virginia, with a median household income of $73,609, which is 21% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Virginia (diversity index: 71/100).
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 | 18,180 | 18,721 | +3.0% |
| Median household income | $69,932 | $73,609 | +5.3% |
| Median home value | $272,300 | $283,600 | +4.1% |
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
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 61 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Laurel Rankings in Virginia
Explore Virginia Rankings
Other Cities in Henrico County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuckahoe | 49,183 | $102,264 | 7.4% | $462,800 |
| Short Pump | 29,026 | $138,845 | 3.6% | $568,900 |
| Glen Allen | 17,551 | $92,723 | 3.6% | $357,200 |
| East Highland Park | 15,265 | $64,681 | 12.8% | $229,200 |
| Highland Springs | 14,296 | $57,599 | 19.0% | $227,300 |
| Lakeside | 12,654 | $72,032 | 11.8% | $288,200 |
| Wyndham | 12,099 | $235,250 | 1.2% | $703,000 |
| Innsbrook | 8,578 | $129,436 | 5.0% | $463,500 |
| Montrose | 8,285 | $49,550 | 19.9% | $194,100 |
| Dumbarton | 7,997 | $60,169 | 12.1% | $291,300 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial Heights | 18,352 | $76,505 | $246,600 | 28.0% | 7.9% |
| Hollins | 17,097 | $77,456 | $244,300 | 26.1% | 8.8% |
| Hybla Valley | 17,257 | $80,959 | $503,000 | 35.9% | 9.4% |
| Sudley | 19,162 | $94,309 | $424,800 | 24.3% | 10.2% |
| Glen Allen | 17,551 | $92,723 | $357,200 | 45.8% | 3.6% |
Population Overview
Laurel is a small city located in Virginia, within Henrico County. The total population is 18,721. It ranks as the 70th most populous out of 681 Census-designated places in Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Laurel is 35.1 years. This is 10% lower than the state median of 39.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Laurel is $73,609. This is 21% lower than the state median of $93,170. It is also 9% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%. This is 15% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 5.0%. This is 18% higher than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $283,600. Housing costs are 26% lower than the state median of $383,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x. 51.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 23% lower than the state average of 67.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
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 27.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (27.9% vs 18.3%).
Education
29.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 42.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Laurel, Virginia 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 Virginia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 681 Census-designated places in Virginia. 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, Virginia?
Laurel, Virginia has a population of 18,721 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Laurel, VA?
The median household income in Laurel is $73,609, which is 9% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Laurel, VA?
The poverty rate in Laurel is 8.4%. This means approximately 1,498 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Laurel, Virginia?
Laurel's population is 43.0% White, 27.9% Black, 15.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 8.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Laurel, VA?
The median home value in Laurel is $283,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
How educated is Laurel, Virginia?
29.8% of adults (25+) in Laurel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.