Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Ratings
Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Schools
Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.
Laurens, South Carolina is a small-sized city with a population of 9,205 residents. Laurens is mostly populated by White (57%) and Black or African American (38%) ethnic groups.
Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Laurens could be a positive experience compared to other cities in South Carolina if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Laurens and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the South Carolina and national averages.
Using data and statistics Laurens has received a livability score of 71 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 77th percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Laurens ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Laurens, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F), education (F) and employment (D-).
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Laurens, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Laurens apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Laurens. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Laurens are affordable. Median real estate prices in Laurens come in at $174,400, which is 33% lower than the South Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Laurens, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 26.3% lower than the South Carolina average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Laurens | South Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.0% | 82.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 14.7% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 0.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.2% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 0.5% | 3.6% | 4.6% |
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