MontanaPop. 7,215Towns
Is Laurel a Good Place to Live? Laurel, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Laurel ranks #846 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #153 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #116 of 151).
Laurel by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Laurel's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Laurel?
Laurel's cost of living index is 93.5, 6% below the US level of 100 and #398 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $974/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $378,211, 20% below the typical Montana home ($471,746).
| Measure | Laurel | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 93.5#398 of 1,308 | 94.6 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $378,211#578 of 1,187 | $471,746 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,329/mo#187 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $235,100#345 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $974/mo#181 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 17.1%#163 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Laurel housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Laurel is in the Billings, MT metro.
Montana housing market →Is Laurel safe?
Laurel recorded 303 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% below the US rate of 328 and 28% below Montana's 419. That ranks #569 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #97 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Laurel Police Department. Property crime runs 3,100 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Laurel | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 303#569 of 1,085 | 419 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 3,100#968 of 1,085 | 1,449 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Laurel?
The median household in Laurel earns $68,474, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Montana ($75,340). 10% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Laurel | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $68,474#848 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 10%#494 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.6% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Laurel?
The median resident of Laurel is 37.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 20.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1147 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Laurel | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 37.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 20.8%#1147 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 58.7% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Laurel's schools and health?
Laurel's 5 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $12,140 spent per pupil. 33.9% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Laurel | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 85.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 15.2#498 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $12,140#924 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 33.9%#694 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.1%#886 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.9%#500 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 1,813 students are enrolled in Laurel's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Laurel?
The average commute in Laurel is 19.1 minutes (Montana 19.5); 2% of workers take transit and 12.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Laurel scores 10.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.7°F and winters 27.5°F, with 14.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Laurel | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 19.1 min#272 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 65.1% | 71.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 2% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2.5% | 3.8% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 12.1% | 11.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10.4#653 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37.2 | 15.1 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 41.1 | 17.5 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 51.3 | 25.1 | 1 |
| Apr | 59.2 | 33.7 | 1.8 |
| May | 68.9 | 42.9 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 79 | 51.4 | 2.1 |
| Jul | 88.7 | 57 | 1.4 |
| Aug | 87.2 | 54.9 | 0.8 |
| Sep | 75.9 | 45.7 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 60.7 | 35.1 | 1.5 |
| Nov | 46.9 | 23.8 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 37.4 | 16.6 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Billings Wfo.
| Measure | Laurel | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 48°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 69.7°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 27.5°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 14.8 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Billings Wfo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Laurel?
Yellowstone County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Yellowstone County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
| Measure | Laurel | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#205 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Yellowstone County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Yellowstone County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0018% | 92% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.007% | 81% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0028% | 50% of counties |
| Hail | 0.002% | 49% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 38% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0012% | 18% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Laurel compare with similar-size cities?
Laurel is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #153 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 7,215.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #846 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 | 19.1 min |
| Lander, WYPop. 7,432 | #699 | 55.0 | $74,813 | $896/mo | part year | 13.6 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Devils Lake, NDPop. 7,308 | #1006 | 50.0 | $43,220 | $711/mo | 191 | 12.1 min |
| Middlebury, VTPop. 7,220 | #5 | 76.4 | $86,250 | $1,201/mo | 54 | 14.6 min |
| Pike Creek, DEPop. 7,129 | #89 | 68.8 | $139,635 | $2,262/mo | no data | 29 min |
| Sturgis, SDPop. 7,086 | #1120 | 47.6 | $54,404 | $780/mo | 329 | 18.3 min |
| Gateway, AKPop. 6,845 | #206 | 64.4 | $137,772 | $1,741/mo | no data | 34.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Laurel compare with the rest of Montana?
Laurel ranks #14 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 52.6 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 9% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 28% below the statewide rate. Homes are 20% below the typical Montana home.
| City | Rank in MT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #1 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #2 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #3 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 |
| Whitefish, MTPop. 8,749 | #4 | 58.0 | $73,811 | $1,354/mo | 176 |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #5 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #6 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 |
| Butte, MTPop. 35,052 | #7 | 55.8 | $61,857 | $856/mo | no data |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #8 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #9 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #10 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 |
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #11 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 |
| Livingston, MTPop. 8,780 | #12 | 52.7 | $65,861 | $1,046/mo | 317 |
| Anaconda, MTPop. 9,597 | #13 | 52.6 | $57,527 | $696/mo | no data |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #14 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 |
| Helena Valley Southeast, MTPop. 9,108 | #15 | 50.4 | $74,075 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Evergreen, MTPop. 9,611 | #16 | 50.3 | $76,446 | $1,166/mo | no data |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #17 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 |
| Lockwood, MTPop. 7,181 | #18 | 48.7 | $75,700 | $1,138/mo | no data |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #19 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 |
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #20 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 |
All 20 Montana cities we track, by overall score. Montana statewide: median income $75,340, violent crime 419.1 per 100,000.
How is Laurel's score calculated?
Laurel scores 52.6 out of 100, #846 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Montana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Laurel. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
29.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Laurel's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
65.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Laurel. Similar-size median 56.5.
56.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Laurel's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
54.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Laurel's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
79.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Laurel. Similar-size median 50.8.
51.6 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Laurel. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
20.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Laurel. Similar-size median 48.3.
56.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Laurel's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
49.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
75.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Laurel's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Laurel has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Laurel
Is Laurel, MT a good place to live?
Laurel ranks #846 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #153 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #116 of 151).
What is the cost of living in Laurel?
Laurel's cost of living index is 93.5, 6% below the US level of 100 and #398 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $974/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $378,211, 20% below the typical Montana home ($471,746).
What is the crime rate in Laurel?
Laurel recorded 303 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% below the US rate of 328 and 28% below Montana's 419. That ranks #569 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #97 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Laurel Police Department. Property crime runs 3,100 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Laurel?
The median household in Laurel earns $68,474, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Montana ($75,340). 10% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Laurel?
Median rent in Laurel is $974/mo (Census), #181 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,329/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Laurel?
The typical home value in Laurel is $378,211, up 1.2% in a year, against $471,746 for Montana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $235,100.
How are the public schools in Laurel?
Laurel's 5 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $12,140 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Laurel?
The average commute is 19.1 minutes, #272 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Laurel?
Laurel averages 48°F over the year, 69.7°F in summer and 27.5°F in winter, with 14.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Laurel walkable?
Laurel scores 10.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Laurel at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Yellowstone County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Laurel?
Yellowstone County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Laurel?
Laurel has 7,215 residents. The median resident of Laurel is 37.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 20.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1147 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Laurel compare with the rest of Montana?
Laurel ranks #14 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 52.6 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 9% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 28% below the statewide rate. Homes are 20% below the typical Montana home.
What cities are similar in size to Laurel?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Laurel's population of 7,215 are Lander, WY (#699 overall), Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Devils Lake, ND (#1006 overall), and Middlebury, VT (#5 overall). Laurel is #846.