City profile
Laurel, MS
Jones County · Population 17,679
Laurel is a town in Jones County, MS with about 17,679 residents and a typical home value near $126,000. It is 27 miles from Hattiesburg, MS, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Humid subtropical
Winter avg
47°F
Summer avg
82°F
Sunny days / yr
220
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$125,800
Typical monthly housing
$754
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
73
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.67%
- State income tax (top)
- 4.4%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 7.06%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 80/100
Top hazards: Tornado, Hurricane, Strong wind
Nearest major airport
135 mi to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 26% Democratic / 73% Republican
Community
Population
17,679
Black population
61.3%
County
Jones County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Part of the New Great Migration — a growing Black community in the South
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hurricanes (coast), tornadoes
Highlights
- About 17,679 residents
- Typical home value about $126,000
- 27 miles from Hattiesburg, MS
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.