Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Laurel?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Laurel, you need to earn at least $68,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $67,988, which means the typical resident is $212 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 18,480

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,194	$3,980	$47,760	$-20,228
1 Bedroom	$1,415	$4,717	$56,600	$-11,388
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,705	$5,683	$68,200	+$212
3 Bedroom	$2,080	$6,933	$83,200	+$15,212
4 Bedroom	$2,558	$8,527	$102,320	+$34,332

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Laurel's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$67,988

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$68,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$212

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 30.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Laurel

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Laurel's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,700

Studio

$1,194/mo

1 BR

$1,415/mo

2 BR

$1,705/mo

3 BR

$2,080/mo

4 BR

$2,558/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Laurel.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Laurel's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Laurel

Renting in Laurel is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $212, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,194/month.

If you're relocating to Laurel, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,194–$1,415/month) unless your income exceeds $68,200. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $853/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Laurel is approximately $102,300. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Laurel, Virginia.

With a total population of 18,480, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 10,702 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $68,200 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

10,702

Active civilian employees in Laurel

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Laurel

What salary do I need to live in Laurel, Virginia?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Laurel under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $68,200. The median household income in Laurel is $67,988.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Laurel on $67,988?

The affordability verdict for Laurel is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 30.1%, meaning there's a $212 income gap.

What is the average rent in Laurel compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Laurel is $1,415/month. With a median household income of $67,988, residents spend approximately 30.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Laurel?

A studio in Laurel rents for approximately $1,194/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $47,760 to afford this.

Is Laurel considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $212 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Laurel is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $68,200 to the local median household income.

How Laurel Compares

Other cities in Virginia with salary requirements